Atiku Abubakar, the presidential nominee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), asserts that the PDP is the "government-in-waiting." He conveys this message during a PDP legislator-elect retreat held in Bauchi state on Saturday. Atiku encourages party members to remain optimistic as they await the resolution of the case at the presidential election petition tribunal.
The case at the tribunal revolves around the victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, over Atiku, the PDP's presidential nominee in the 2023 election. Atiku and the PDP are challenging Tinubu's victory through the election petition tribunal.
Addressing the newly elected Members of Parliament, Atiku emphasizes their role as representatives of the party and their constituents. He urges them not to lose hope despite the temporary setback. Atiku believes that truth and goodwill will eventually triumph over falsehood and evil. He emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among party members, reminding them to operate as a team and maintain connections with their roots, constituencies, and stakeholders.
Atiku acknowledges that, based on the findings of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ongoing electoral challenges in court, the PDP's members-elect do not currently constitute a majority in the national assembly. However, he encourages them to prepare to serve as an effective and constructive opposition while also preparing for the potential future role as the majority party once the electoral cases are resolved. Atiku asserts that the PDP is the government-in-waiting, signaling readiness to govern once the circumstances allow.
Furthermore, Atiku advises the newly elected legislators to resist any attempt by the ruling party to turn the legislature into a rubber stamp. He emphasizes the need for unity within the PDP and calls for collective efforts to rebuild the party. Atiku urges party members to focus on present and future issues rather than dwelling on past conflicts.
