A Diaspora support group, THE DIASPORA SUPPORT (TDS) based in the United Kingdom (UK) has said that with the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 presidential election, it has become imperative for the party stakeholders to put heads together and work for the emergence of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as the vice president.
The group noted that other than Wike as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party may have edge over PDP at the general election.
The group made the plea in a statement signed by its Convener, Hon. Yunana Shibkau; Head Strategy, Hon. Osamudiamen Aghedo; and Head, Nigeria’s Strategy and Mobilisation,Prince Madiba Ibrahim Lapinni, yesterday.
According to the Diaspora Support Group, “The opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party has conducted its presidential primaries in Abuja; with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerging as the presidential flag-bearer of the party.
“This, no doubt, is a step toward addressing the series of challenges that threaten the very existence of the nation to its foundation. The present precarious state of the nation calls for a tough measure to address it, and make life more meaningful to the entire citizenry.
“Much as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the flag-bearer, it thus behoves on all the party stakeholders to put heads together and work for the emergence of Chief Nyesom Wike with the vice president ticket to compliment the renewed journey of taking Nigeria to the Promised Land.
“Our national politics must evolve to the point of getting and doing the best for Nigeria. We must work to elect capable leaders, who can make a difference in leadership delivery for the betterment of the people. We congratulate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and hereby pledge to work with and compliment his administration in the critical areas of security, development and the unity of Nigerians when elected president in 2023.
“The presidential primaries have come and gone, not without the bad blood and acrimonious ethnic tendencies it has generated. To mismanage this victory through wrong choice of vice president is to signal the death knell for PDP and give the ruling party an undue leverage to coast to victory again.
“We appeal to all PDP members to come together in the interest of the party and Nigerians who have placed their hopes of restoration and renewal on the PDP. We call on all stakeholders of the PDP to consult widely and support the emergence of ChiefNyesomWike in a joint Atiku-Wike Ticket.
“We shall continue to work with all stakeholders to help Nyesom Wike realise the vice presidential slot so as to work for the development of Nigeria.
“Unfolding events in the nation, particularly on the political scene regarding the concluded Peoples Democratic Party primaries and the implications of its conduct to the security and socio-economic situation in Nigeria, today, prompted our response and the input to ensure the best for the peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Our organisation, THE DIASPORA SUPPORT (TDS), is an international lobby group and non-governmental organisation, established with the objective of promoting national unity, peace, development and credible leadership across the world. We operate with secretariat at the United Kingdom and other liaisons across the world.
“While we have other nationals, the majority of the group is of Nigeria origin, and thus, has focal representatives in Nigeria. In bid to fulfill the objectives and goals of our organisation, we have several credible local and international organisations, which we work or collaborate with and such collaborations have been very rewarding and fruitful”, the group said.