In Delta, Atiku tells supporters he  won’t betray their  trust

…explains why he picked Okowa as running mate

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has promised residents of Delta State that he will not  betray their trust if he is elected.

Speaking on Tuesday during his party’s presidential campaign rally at the Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba, the Delta capaital, Atiku said he will tackle insecurity and revamp the economy.

“We are here to show our gratitude and appreciation to say that we are with you in all respects because of the support we have received from you from 1999 to date,” Atiku said.

“All through my political journey, Delta state has always supported me and I want to promise you that I shall not betray the trust of Delta and the entire Niger Delta.

“That is why in my modest appreciation, I chose one of you as my vice-presidential candidate and you know that a running mate is always a stepping stone.

“Therefore, it is up to you to show your support by giving Governor Okowa the massive support to enable us to rescue and rebuild our dear country.

“The Niger Delta and other parts of the country will benefit from our resource control and restructuring agenda because it is our intention to devolve more powers to the states and local governments to tackle peculiar challenges facing the people.

“The APC government has disunited Nigeria in all aspects and it is our commitment to restore the unity of this country by ensuring that every part of this country has a sense of belonging.

“You must believe in PDP because as a party, we built the biggest economy in Africa until the APC came and destroyed it in 2015. Why vote for the same party that has suffered us in the last seven years plus? Let us vote them out to unite and rebuild our country again.”

 Atiku  said his choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate was due to longstanding support from the state.

Atiku told PDP supporters on Tuesday that the campaign team was not in the state to campaign but to show their gratitude and identify with them in all respects.

“[We are here] because of the support we have received and have received all along, particularly myself. In all my political career, from 1999 to date, Delta State has never failed me,” the presidential hopeful said.

“I want to promise you that I shall not betray the trust of Delta State and in fact, the Niger Delta sub-region altogether. That is why as my modest contribution to your support over the years, I decided to take one of you as my running mate.

“As you know, a running mate is always a stepping stone. Therefore, it is up to you to give Governor Okowa the massive support that he needs to show the people of this country that you are committed to your own future.”

The former Vice President promised that his five-point agenda will ensure the economy has “a commanding height”.

He added that if elected, Nigeria’s foreign investment will improve to similar heights recorded by the country before the end of PDP’s 16-year tenure in 2015.

“We had the biggest economic growth until we became the biggest economy in Africa. We had no problem about foreign exchange,” he said.

“We had no problem about scarcity of goods. We had no problem about high inflation. We had no problem about prices of goods and services.

“For God’s sake, why would you vote for another party that has now suffered us in the last seven to eight years? Please, say no to APC. APC, down! PDP, up! PDP, victory!”