PDP condemns APC’s attack on its Kaduna Presidential Campaign Rally, insists it is undeterred

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the violent attack on its Presidential Campaign Rally in Kaduna, Kaduna State on Monday, October 17, 2022 by heavily armed hoodlums allegedly sponsored by the “liquidating” All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement, the opposition party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said this unprovoked attack was not only reprehensible but also exposed the desperation of the APC which was overwhelmed by the continuing popularity of the PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar “for which they have now resorted to violence.”

He said the aim of the APC for this attack was to frustrate the PDP Presidential Rally, trigger tension, violence and cause bloodletting in Kaduna State.

“This is contrary to the undertaking in the Peace Accord signed by political parties on September 28, 2022 in which the presidential xandidate of the APC was conspicuously absent,” he said.

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Ologunagba added that the attack by the APC must give well-meaning Nigerians concern as some report alleged that the vicious assault on the PDP presidential campaign was spearheaded by the APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State.

He said the frustrated APC, having realized that it could nott legally and legitimately sponsor candidates for the 2023 general elections, had now resorted to violence and attacking PDP members and innocent citizens with the aim of derailing the entire democratic process.

Ologunagba further stated that the APC was intimidated by Atiku Abubakar’s popularity and acceptance among the majority of Nigerians following their confidence in Atiku Abubakar’s practical experience, record, capacity, broad-mindedness, oan-Nigerianism and willpower to unite the nation, revamp the devastated economy and guarantee security of life and property in our country.

He said the PDP was undeterred by such cowardly attack as Nigerians were already connected with the party’s issue-based campaign and Atiku Abubakar’s message of hope which was already resonating throughout the nooks and crannies of the country.

Ologunagba saluted the courage displayed by the people of Kaduna State in coming out enmasse to resist and overwhelm the APC and its agents, ensure the success of the PDP rally, reinforce their support for Atiku Abubakar and re-emphasize the fact that Kaduna State was home to PDP, which gave Atiku Abubakar the highest votes in the 2019 Presidential election.

He said these desperate elements should be reminded that from history, the people of Kaduna State had never been cowed or subjugated and could not now especially in their present resolve to vote in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.

Ologunagba acknowledged the massive inflow of new members into the party, especially from the fizzling APC in Kaduna State and throughout the country because of APC’s failures in governance.

“Kaduna State is a Melting Pot State and such inflow into the PDP denotes the confidence and trust Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion and political affiliation, repose in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of the country.

“It should be recalled that the PDP, on Sunday, October 16, 2022 alerted on the plot to disrupt our scheduled Presidential Campaign in Kaduna State today.

“Our Party therefore charges security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to book,” Ologunagba said.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his partymen to order and ensure adequate security for a free, fair and credible electoral process in the country.