The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), has adopted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as its consensus candidate for next week’s Presidential election.
In a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Abuja on Friday, the group also called on key participants in the electoral process to play by the rules, stressing that everything possible must be done to make the 2019 elections peaceful, credible, free and fair.
The group was founded by former Chief of General Staff (Supreme Headquarters), late General Shehu Yar’Adua.
“The tension that has been generated by the 2019 elections is getting to a disturbing proportion and we call on all actors in the electoral process to ensure that peace ensues before, during and after the elections.
“We call on the security operatives to be impartial and to focus on their main mandate of preserving and protecting the lives and property of every Nigerian and foreigners alike.
“Politicians should refrain from making insidious statements and anyone caught going against this should be duly prosecuted.
“We demand of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, complies strictly with the provisions of the relevant laws in its conduct of the upcoming series of elections,” the group resolved even as it called on election monitors and voters to conduct themselves peacefully and in a manner that conforms to decent behaviour,” the communiqué read.
PDM National Chairman, Bode Ajewole said they resolved to rally behind Atiku’s quest for the highest elective office given his contribution to the growth of democracy in the country.
He said: “It is noteworthy to point out that even though membership in this political family cuts across all the major political parties in the country, it has always been our prayers that one of our own be given the opportunity to showcase our outstanding leadership qualities irrespective of the political parties that throws up such a candidate for as long as he/she is a member of the political family.
“To this end, and with the 2019 Presidential election exactly a week away, it has become incumbent on us, as founding members of the Yar’Adua political family, PDM, to lend our voice to the conversations around the epochal electoral contest.
“We are conscious of our position as proud members of the oldest political organization in contemporary Nigeria and it is noteworthy to say that this particular election cycle presents itself as a test to the virility of democratic governance in our country.”
OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja
