Why I split from Tinubu — Atiku

By Adeleye Kunle

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has revealed that his refusal to agree to a Muslim-Muslim ticket as proposed by Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu was the primary reason they parted ways politically in 2007.

In his first major interview since becoming the PDP’s presidential candidate for 2023, Atiku criticized Tinubu’s choice of Borno State Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate. This was stated by Atiku during an interview with Track News on Friday morning.

In response to a question about his thoughts on the All Progressives Congress, APC’s Muslim-Muslim Presidential ticket, Atiku stated, “My fundamental disagreement with Asiwaju since 2007 was on the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket.” That was my main point of disagreement with Asiwaju.

“We formed ACN with Asiwaju, and I was given a ticket in Lagos, and he insisted on being my running mate, and I said no, I am not going to have a Muslim-Muslim ticket, and as a result, he switched his support to the late Umaru Yar’Adua, and that was the point of departure, of course.”

“It is also true that when Buhari first appeared in Lagos in 2015, I was also opposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket.” I was opposed, and my opposition actually reinforced President Buhari’s decision to select a Christian running mate.

“I’ve always been opposed to that.” That is not something I believe in. It is not appropriate for a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria. Interests, whether religious or otherwise, should be balanced.”

Bayo Onanu-ga, Director of Media and Communications for the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation, stated last night that the APC Presidential candidate will formally respond to Atiku today, but added that “Atiku overestimates himself, which is why he keeps running and losing.” He finished third behind Yar’Adua and Buhari in 2007, but he exaggerates his achievements. Tomorrow, Asiwaju will respond to his comments on television.”

When asked if his choice of Shettima would hurt his chances in the Northeast, Atiku said, “certainly (my) prospects are much higher.”

“If you know the Northeast’s composition, you have Borno and Yobe, which are essentially two Kanuri states, and the other states, which are essentially Hausa-Fulani states.” So, even if people vote on that basis, I believe I have more favorable (support) from the Northeast.”

Speaking about the schism within the PDP over his choice of running mate, Atiku revealed that he and the party hierarchy were reaching out to those who were upset, particularly Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

“We are reaching out to Governor Wike and talking with him, and I believe we will find a resolution very soon,” he said. In fact, because we’re talking to him, we’ll be talking to his governor colleagues very soon. I am confident that we will resolve our internal crisis and move on.

He did, however, clarify that, contrary to popular belief, he did not disregard the report of the committee he formed to help him find a running mate.

“The committee that was formed at my request deliberated,” Atiku said. There was no vote, and they recommended three names because they knew I could choose any of the three. As a result, there was no vote. That is not correct… I chose someone with experience, calm, and the ability to be President.

“That committee was chaired by Governor Ortom himself.” He was aware that there had been no vote, and I had the committee’s report. I chose one of the three people recommended by the committee. I did not disregard that recommendation. So, I believe people should be fair to me and state the facts.”

Atiku also dismissed claims that the Labour Party’s candidate, Peter Obi, could jeopardize his chances in 2023.

According to him, the LP had an opportunity to demonstrate its mettle during the recently concluded Osun Governorship election but failed to do so because it lacks the necessary structure and spread to challenge the PDP.

“What is the Labour Party’s performance?” Atiku asked. This is a party with no governor, no members of the national assembly, and no members of the state assemblies.

“Politics in this country is determined by the structures in place at these various levels: local government, state government, and national government.” So, expecting a miracle simply because Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party is extremely unlikely.”

“After all, they were claiming on social media that they have over 1 million votes in Osun State.” “However, how many people voted for the Labour Party?”

Atiku also stated that 90 percent of Northern voters are not on social media.

Why I disagreed with Tinubu – Atiku appeared first on Track News.