Kaduna: PDP condemns attack on Atiku’s supporters, accuses APC, Saraki blows hot
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the violent attack on its presidential campaign rally in Kaduna, Kaduna State capital on Monday.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon Debo Ologunagba, said the attacks were carried out by heavily armed hoodlums allegedly sponsored by the liquidating All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described the unprovoked attack as reprehensible said it further exposed the desperation of the APC.
Explaining the possible reason why they were allegedly attacked, PDP said the opponents are overwhelmed by the continuing popularity of its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The statement read in part “the aim of the APC for this attack is 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 Candidate of the APC was conspicuously absent.
“The attack today by the APC must give well-meaning Nigerians concern as some reports allege that the vicious assault on the PDP Presidential Campaign was spearheaded by the APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State.
“The frustrated APC, having realized that it cannot legally and legitimately sponsor candidates for the 2023 general elections, has now resorted to violence and attacking our party members and innocent citizens to derail the entire democratic process.
“The APC is 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, Pan-Nigerianism and willpower to unite our nation, revamp our devastated economy and guarantee security of lives and property in our country.
“In any case, our Party is undeterred by such cowardly attacks as Nigerians are already connected with our issue-based campaign and Atiku Abubakar’s message of hope which is already resonating throughout the nooks and crannies of our country.
“The PDP salutes the courage displayed by the people of Kaduna State in coming out en masse 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 is home to PDP, which gave Atiku Abubakar the highest votes in the 2019 Presidential election.
“These desperate elements should be reminded that from history, the people of Kaduna State have never been cowed or subjugated and cannot now especially in their present resolve to vote in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria”.
PDP called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his partymen to order and ensure adequate security for a free, fair and credible electoral process in our country.
Attack on Atiku’s supporters a slap on face of Nigerians – Saraki blows
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has condemned the violent attack on supporters of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and other Nigerians during the party’s presidential campaign in Kaduna State on Monday.
Reacting to the Kaduna attack via his official Facebook page, the former lawmaker said the development was a threat to the nation’s democracy and a slap on the faces of Nigerians.
Saraki called on security agencies to immediately investigate and unveil the people who perpetrated the unfortunate attack and their sponsors.
He wrote, “The attack on the Kaduna rally of the PDP by some yet-to-be-named people was not just a threat to the nation’s democracy but an indication that some elements are still bent on sabotaging and undermining the success of next year’s general elections.
“This sad development is a big setback for our democracy. It represents a slap on the face of all Nigerians.”
