The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, says his administration would change the security architecture in the country and grow the economy if elected as president in the 2023 general election.

Atiku said between 1999 and 2015, PDP grew Nigeria’s economy and made it the largest in Africa, noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) destroyed it with its “inept” leadership.

The former Vice President said this at the PDP’s presidential campaign rally held at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Tuesday.

The PDP presidential flag-bearer said his administration, with adequate security and right economic policies, would attract foreign direct investment that would grow the nation’s economy, adding that the security of the country was paramount because no nation could develop without security.

Atiku told the PDP supporters that the team was not in the state to campaign, saying: “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.

“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.

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“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.”

On his policy document, the former Vice President stated that his administration, if elected as president in the next month’s presidential election, would pay attention to developing the education sector.

He also promised that strikes by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would be eradicated during his administration.

“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 added.

Speaking at the rally, the party’s vice-presidential candidate and Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, said Atiku knew how to address the socio-economic challenges bedevilling the country and urged the people of the state to vote for the party.

His words: “We all know that the APC-led Federal Government brought poverty to the nation; they destroyed our economy to the extent that Nigerians are now hungry, without food to eat.

“How can a bag of rice be sold for almost N50, 000? It is only Atiku that can solve the problems in the country because when the PDP took over the reins of power in 1999, Atiku and Obasanjo were able to restore the nation’s lost glory.

“Atiku has assured Nigerians that he will revive the economy of the country and reposition it for optimum productivity in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“For over 20 years, Atiku has been advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria where states and local governments will get more money that will stimulate growth and development and this is what we want in the Niger Delta.

“Atiku has also promised that his administration if elected, will put in place a constitutional framework that will enable states to have State Police so as to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.

“Atiku is an experienced politician that has the capacity and pedigree to reset the country and I call on all eligible voters in the state to ensure that they have their PVCs to enable them vote in the forthcoming general elections,” Governor Okowa stated.

On his part, congratulated Deltans for the choice of Okowa as Vice-Presidential Candidate and lauded previous governors of the state for their contributions to the growth and development of the state.

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The rally recorded the defection of many members of the APC in Delta State, including the state secretary, Nick Ovuakporie, to the PDP.

The party also got the endorsement of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B, led by the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Great Tamarapreye.

The rally was attended by the PDP National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu; former Vice-President Namadi Sambo; former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; and Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa-Ibom), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); among others.

The Star