PDP, Atiku demand probe of attack on Borno Presidential Campaign rally

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned, in strongest terms possible, the violent attack on its Presidential Campaign convoy in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital yesterday, Wednesday by armed thugs allegedly sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Similarly, the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has condemned the attack, descibing it as unfortunate.

The PDP has, consequently, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police to take immediately action to arrest such constant incidence of violence being unleashed by the APC on PDP Campaign activities. 

The PDP, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba said that the attack on the convoy of party’s presidential campaign team simply showed the APC’s frustration, bitter envy and disconcertedness over the overwhelming popularity of the PDP and and it’s  Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Borno State, the North East Zone and across the nation; for which the APC has resorted to violence.

According to the statement by Ologunagba, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms possible the cowardly violent attack on its Presidential Campaign convoy in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital today, Wednesday, November 9, 2022 by armed thugs sponsored by the disconcerted All Progressives Congress (APC).

 “The attack on the PDP Presidential campaign train as it made its way into Maiduguri city amidst thunderous cheers by the people further confirms APC’s frustration, bitter envy and disconcertedness over the overwhelming popularity of the PDP and our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Borno State, the North East Zone and across the nation; for which the APC has resorted to violence.

“Our Party has information about how agents of certain APC leaders mobilized the thugs with the aim to escalate violence in Maiduguri and prevent the PDP from holding its Presidential Campaign Rally in the State.

“Nigerians witnessed with horror how hundreds of APC’s armed thugs stationed at major roundabouts and intersections in the city of Maiduguri unleashed violence on the PDP Presidential Campaign convoy and innocent citizens going about their lawful activities in a gruesome attack that left over 70 persons gravely injured and hospitalized.

“This attack is consistent with APC’s habitual resort to violence in the face of rejection by the people as also witnessed in the attack on the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Rally in Kaduna State on October 17, 2022. 

“APC’s barbaric and anti-social behaviour is contrary to the Peace Accord it signed on September 28, 2022 and constitutes a clear and present danger to democracy, our electoral process and the 2023 general elections.

“It is clear that the APC has since become confused, frenetic and chaotic following the daily mass exodus of its key members into the PDP across the nooks and crannies of the State as witnessed at the PDP Presidential Campaign Rally today (yesterda) in Maiduguri in support of Atiku Abubakar and in clear rejection of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima.

“The PDP commends the brave and courageous people of Borno State for coming out enmasse to resist the APC thugs and ensured the success of the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Rally in support of Atiku Abubakar. 

“Our Party is not daunted and cannot be deterred by cowardly attacks by the APC as Nigerians are already connected with the PDP’s issue-based campaign in the mission to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from the asphyxiating misrule of the APC.

“The PDP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police to take immediately action to arrest this constant incidence of violence being unleashed by the APC on PDP Campaign activities.  It should be noted that a continuing violence by the APC can result in a situation where other parties might be encouraged to resort to self-help.

“Once again, we call on President Buhari, as a matter of urgency and consistent with his Oath of Office, to call the members of his party, the APC to order in the interest of the nation, our democracy and the electoral process. Enough is Enough”, the party said.

Also, the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has noted with sadness that hoodlums wielding the flag of the All Progressives Congress attacked the convoy of vehicles conveying dignitaries to the venue.

Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Ibe said, “The presidential campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Wednesday.

“The rally is the first to be held in the North East region where the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar hails from.

“The campaign, which was held at the Ramat Square, was attended by a large crowd and many notable leaders of the PDP.

“That hoodlums wielding the flag of the All Progressives Congress attacked the convoy of vehicles conveying dignitaries to the venue.

“It is rather unfortunate that the APC in Borno State mobilized some of its members to attack the convoy carrying dignitaries who had earlier paid a courtesy visit at the Shehu of Borno palace to the venue of the rally.

“While it is well understood that such barbaric behaviour is typical of the APC, it must be noted that, this time around, it is specifically the last kick of a dying horse.

“The APC, apparently overwhelmed by the large turn of supporters to greet our presidential candidate, resorted to anti-democratic actions to scare the crowd away from the rally.

“It is a similar pattern to what happened during our rally in Kaduna State and it is important to call the attention of all stakeholders in peaceful elections in Nigeria to the dangerous actions being undertaken by the APC to disrupt our rallies, especially in the North,” Ibe said.

“The presidential flag bearer thanked supporters of the PDP for attending the rally.

During his address, Atiku told the gathering that if elected president in the election next year, he will ensure that the problem of insecurity is properly addressed, as well as bringing activities at the Lake Chad Basin back to life and continue with the exploration of crude oil in Borno State.

“There are three major issues that are important to everyone in Borno State. The most important is that we must return this state to the true meaning of its title as the ‘Home of Peace’. Therefore, my major agenda as far as Borno is concerned is to deal decisively with insecurity and return peace to this state and everywhere else.

“Secondly, I know that there has been an abandonment of activities around the Lake Chad Basin and this comes with attendant problems of people losing their means of livelihood. So, I am going to provide a sufficient amount of resources in both security and infrastructure that will guarantee the safety of lives and property around the Lake Chad Basin.

“Thirdly, given the enormity of security challenges, the business of crude oil exploration in this state has been put on hold. I will activate the necessary machinery that will ensure that crude oil fields in Borno State are explored, which will in turn make this state more economically viable,” Atiku stated.