Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned Edo voters against supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that doing so could signify endorsing continued misery and hardship in the state.
In his statement, Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, urged voters to consider whether the APC has genuinely improved their lives or only exacerbated their challenges before heading to the polls.
Atiku criticized the APC for allegedly plunging Nigeria into an abyss of suffering, stating that the party has cultivated seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity. He expressed these views in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday, titled ‘The clear choice for a prosperous Edo State’.
He remarked, “They criticized past leaders for raising fuel prices, yet today, they preside over an era where fuel costs soar above N900 per litre. Their cruelty and disregard for the plight of the masses are unmatched. A vote for the APC is a vote for the continuation of misery, hunger, and despair.”
Atiku further urged voters not to be swayed by what he described as the APC's empty promises. He emphasized that voting for Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP represents more than just a ballot choice; it is an act of reclaiming their future, consolidating the progress made by Governor Godwin Obaseki, and building a future marked by prosperity, dignity, and hope.
According to Atiku, the power to break free from the chains of poor governance and chart a new course for Edo State lies in the hands of the residents. He stressed that this power must be used as a tool for change.
Atiku accused the APC of presenting a false front as a friend of the masses while hiding a more sinister reality behind this facade. He claimed that the party has deceived voters with sweet promises only to reveal their true nature as driven by a hunger for power rather than the well-being of the people.
He continued, “The APC has forsaken the ideals of governance, ignoring the cries of the common man while pursuing their selfish ambitions. Under their watch, Nigeria has been plunged into an abyss of suffering. They have sown seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity.”
Atiku lamented the state of the nation, stating that the once vibrant spirit of Nigeria has been dimmed by relentless struggles for survival. He noted that basic necessities, such as food, have become out of reach for millions, with the populace suffering from hunger rather than disease. “We stand at the lowest point in our nation’s governance,” he added.
He criticized the APC for not serving the people but rather serving themselves, noting that when the people have protested, they have been silenced and dragged to court under charges of treason, while APC leaders continue to live in luxury, indifferent to the national hardship.
Despite the grim situation, Atiku praised the PDP candidate, stating that he is ready to serve with competence and a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare.
He concluded, “People of Edo State, the time has come to use the power vested in you. As you go to the polls, ask yourself: Has the APC made your life better, or has it only deepened your struggles?”
“The answer is clear. Your vote for Ighodalo will not only bring change to Edo State but will also send a resounding message across Nigeria that we reject the deceit and self-serving ways of the APC. Let us march to the polls this Saturday, united in our resolve to bring about the change we so desperately need. Let us cast our votes for Asue Ighodalo and usher in a new dawn for Edo State. The power is yours. Use it wisely,” Atiku said.