Atiku Abubakar, the 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) has said he made a mistake by voting for the All
Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2015 general election.
Mr Abubakar stated this on Monday at the presidential rally of the PDP in Kogi State.
The
former vice president popularly known as Atiku said he did not made the
mistake alone as Bukola Saraki, Senate President also committed same
blunder.
Messrs Atiku and Saraki were former members of the
ruling party. They had defected to the APC prior to the 2015 general
election.
While in APC, Atiku contested for the 2015 presidential
ticket but lost to Muhammadu Buhari, who is now seeking a second term
in office. The former vice president is the major challenger of the
president in the February 16 presidential election.
“I have always advocated for the restructuring of this country,” Atiku said.
“If
there is one state that is going to be a beacon of progress, a beacon
of hope after restructuring, it’s Kogi State. Because Kogi State has
what it takes to be one of the most promising states in this country,
therefore don’t be deceived by APC.
“You have seen them, you have voted for them, what have they done in this four years? What have they done here in Kogi State?
“They
can’t even pay salaries, they can’t pay pensions, schools are not
working, this is a failed government and we have the opportunity to
correct the mistakes we have made.
“He (Saraki) made the mistake,
I made the mistake, today we have retraced our steps and we are
determined to correct the mistakes that has been made,” he said.
The
former vice president also criticised the detention of Senator Dino
Melaye who is said to have allegedly committed homicide in July.
“Kogi
state has one of the most prominent young politician in the country.
Today he is under detention and unlawful detention for that matter,” the
PDP flag-bearer said while calling on the APC-led government to free
the lawmaker.
Atiku called on the people to ensure they elect candidates of the PDP in the coming elections.
On
his part, Mr Saraki, while addressing the mammoth crowd that graced the
rally, celebrated Mr Melaye on his 45th birthday while the lawmaker was
been detained by the police.
