News

Atiku, the PDP, and the resounding call from Bauchi

Atiku, the PDP, and the resounding call from Bauchi

Over the weekend, Bauchi, the capital city of the North-easterly state of the same name, played host to key figures of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Known for its renowned Yankari Game Reserve and National Park, which houses rare wildlife species, Bauchi is also historically associated with the Nigerian Army’s armoured corps, a crucial combat unit within the military.

The armoured corps, popularized by former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida during his rule from 1985 to 1993, is a specialized branch of the army equipped with formidable tanks. They are called upon when a conflict escalates to a critical level. In colloquial terms, the armoured corps is summoned when things get serious.

The gathering in Bauchi marked the “Retreat for Members of the National Assembly Elected on the platform of the PDP,” encompassing PDP Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. This event served as the party’s first assembly following the flawed general elections held in February and March of the same year. The elections have faced widespread criticism and triggered numerous legal battles across the country.

The 2023 polls have been described as the most opaque, dubious, and contentious in the 24-year-old Fourth Republic. The ongoing dramas unfolding at the Presidential Elections Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) further attest to the questionable nature of these elections. Local and international observer groups have reported on the compromised nature of the polls, echoing public sentiments.

Led by former Vice President and PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the highest echelons of the party gathered in Bauchi on June 3, 2023. Governor Bala Mohammed, who successfully secured re-election, hosted the event. The meeting saw the participation of the party’s national leadership and a considerable number of re-elected and newly elected governors.

The presence of gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming off-season elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi on November 11, 2023, added to the vibrant atmosphere in Bauchi. The city continued to buzz with political activity following Governor Mohammed’s colorful inauguration on May 29, as prominent PDP figures populated the Government House, where the event took place.

Atiku set the tone of the converge. He admonished the lawmakers-elect to remain very optimistic while awaiting the resolution of the disputed election by the electoral arbiter. Said the former Vice President: “You are representatives of the party and your constituents. Resist the temptation to jettison your party just because of a temporary setback. At the end of the day, truth and good shall triumph over falsehood and evil.” Exhorting the parliamentarians further, Atiku said: Please remain resolute. Do not work in isolation from one another. You are a team and should always work together as a compact, indivisible unit. This is the way you can achieve meaningful results. Remain connected to your roots, your constituents and other stakeholders.”

In the words of the PDP presidential candidate: “Based on the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, our members are not the majority in the National Assembly for now. There are, however, several pending electoral suits awaiting judicial determination by many of our members. For the time being, therefore, our legislators should function as an effective, constructive and unified opposition. They must also, prepare themselves for possible roles as the party in the majority, when outstanding litigations are resolved.”

Atiku, who also serves as the Prime Minister of Adamawa, having been installed as Wazirin Adamawa a few years ago, emphasized to the attendees that the PDP is a party rooted in the people. He highlighted the stark contrast between the PDP and other parties that are controlled by power-hungry godfathers and overlords who demand constant appeasement.

He expressed his unwavering belief that his presidential mandate will be restored through the judicial process, and he reaffirmed his conviction that the current regime is merely a temporary phase in the country’s political development. Atiku urged the legislators not to diminish themselves by becoming subservient “yes men” to those who aspire to govern as dictators, emperors, or modern-day monarchs.

His words: “Do not be rubber-stamp representatives despite being momentarily numerically disadvantaged. Your numbers will surely grow when the courts rule on contentious electoral fall-outs before the tribunals. Our party ran a robust issue-based campaign and our constituents expect us to hold those who profited from the glaring duplicity of INEC, to account on governance and administration. You cannot afford to disappoint or fail them.”

The Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Aliyu Damagun, expressed his satisfaction with the impressive turnout at the retreat, considering the short notice given. He extended his congratulations to the elected and reelected participants for their victories in the recent polls, despite facing significant challenges. Damagun stated that the 2023 general elections will be remembered as the worst in the history of the country.

He highlighted the expectations of Nigerians that the elections would be free and fair, particularly after the amendment of the Electoral Act, which emphasized the use of improved technology to enhance transparency. The implementation of technologies like the Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results was intended to facilitate smooth accreditation and efficient announcement of results. Regrettably, according to Damagun, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to meet the minimum requirements for integrity and credibility.

Damagun emphasized that the PDP has consistently adhered to the various provisions and milestones outlined in the Electoral Act to ensure the credibility and wide acceptance of its electoral processes.

It was acknowledged that the way the party effectively revives its previous charm and adapts to its current circumstances will determine the future trajectory of the party. There was a call for intensified efforts at all levels of the party to rediscover the vibrancy and broad appeal that has consistently attracted new members to the party.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State emphasized the need for healing and rejuvenation within the party. He urged all stakeholders to set aside personal egos and arrogance in order to redefine the party’s core objectives and address the internal divisions. Dino Melaye, the PDP candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Kogi State, expressed agreement with Makinde’s proposal.

He enjoined elders and leaders of the party to be more involved and interested in the various litigations involving the party. Said Melaye: “Our governors regularly have business in Abuja the capital city. They should demonstrate more interest in the presidential election petition, for example, by going to the tribunal to support our legal team.

Let it be known that this is not about an individual, but a wholesome party and its teeming membership.”  In addition to the rebuilding and transformation of the PDP, it is crucial to initiate efforts to reconcile with significant members of the party who have become disenchanted for various reasons and have chosen to maintain a distance. Certain individuals, driven by their concerns, have reluctantly joined other political platforms to express their grievances.

Leave a Comment