PLATEAU FOR ATIKU MOVEMENT is an organization of Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, drawn from Plateau State and committed to the victory of the Presidential Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 General Elections.The Movement commends His Excellency, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku for the courage to select his Running Mate in good time, thereby demonstrating capacity, leadership and readiness for the general elections and for governance, at a time when his competitors in qother parties show hesitation, confusion and lack of readiness.Alhaji Atiku’s respect for the diversity and historical experiences of the nation are also commendable. His selection of the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate meets the specifications of the office which the PDP Flag Bearer himself once occupied, bringing together attributes of a bridge builder, humility, simplicity, appeal, experience and service, all at a time Nigeria requires healing. We therefore, stand with this respectable decision.We wish to affirm that it remains the prerogative of the Candidate to select who best he thinks he can work with, albeit in consultation with other leaders and Stakeholders of the Party, and amidst many qualified persons.The Movement has been concerned, however, about the rising voices of opposition in the Party, either against the person of the running mate or the process leading to his selection. This public criticism coming from a section of leaders, some of them too senior to be ignored, is worrisome. We take note that some have been associated with a complexity of issues in the Party, including the zoning of the Presidency, which has come and gone.As democrats, we invite all leaders and stakeholders to rise above this seeming draw back to the eminent progress that the PDP is making towards clinching the Presidential seat of the nation.
This is a period of selection of running mates all over the 36 states and at the Presidential level. While some challenges come up in some places, they need not distract the party. We find it inappropriate to give conditions to the party for supporting the Party to victory.The Movement calls on all aggrieved party leaders to sheath their swords, accept the decision of the Flag Bearer and move to the next stage of reconciliation. We implore the Flag Bearer to pay adequate attention to calming all frayed nerves.It is sweeter to continue the discussion in the Presidential Villa than lose out due to spots of grievances as they are exhibited at the moment.We wish to specially commend His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for his unflinching support to the Party at the most trying moments, and for his leadership and doggedness. His sportsmanship in the last Presidential primaries is also worthy of note. His recent statement showing support to the PDP Candidate through the elections, even after the selection of the running mate, stand him out as a party man and true democrat. We look forward to him maintain that role until the PDP dislodges the APC from government to bring relief to Nigeria.
Oracle Reporters 