Abati: I thought I could rattle Tinubu during media chat — but he knows what he’s doing

By Olufemi Olaniyi and Ikenna Obianeri

A former Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Chief Jumoke Akinjide, and other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State have said they will canvass support for and vote for the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in 2023.

The National Mandate Group, which is one of the groups within the PDP and is being led by Akinjide, said this in a statement on Thursday.

Making a reference to the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, Akinjide warned those using the Oyo State official anthem to declare a subtle support for the presidential candidate of a party to desist from such.

Recall that the deputy governor of the state, during the visit of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to Afenifere’s former leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, sang the Oyo anthem, which starts with “Asiwaju niwa.”

She said Atiku was their candidate and stressed that the PDP flagbearer is the only one that can reverse the alleged misrule of the APC and reposition the country on the path of peace and development.

The statement read, “First and foremost, we appreciate the good people of Oyo State for considering our party, the PDP, as the best option and voting for our candidates in both the governorship and presidential elections in 2019, and for your continued and undiminished support thereafter.

“We give our wholehearted and unshakeable resolve and commitment to support the presidential candidate of our party, the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON, and indeed, all other PDP candidates during the upcoming 2023 general elections.

Also, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, Mr Akeem Olatunji, said in a separate interview with our correspondent that Makinde had.never started campaigning for the candidate of another party, saying the PDP. The leaders spoke were either being mischievous or they were saying that to curry Atiku’s favour.