Atiku Suffers Setback In Katsina As PDP Leaders Boycott Presidential Campaign

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar might have suffered a setback in Katsina State as leaders of the party in the state boycotted his presidential rally.

Naija News had earlier reported that Atiku stormed the state today alongside his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa to seek the support of voters in the state.

Rather than gain the support of people in the state, leaders of his party led by the former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema have decided to boycott the presidential campaign.

There are indications that 10 out of the 14 members of the party’s State Working Committee, as well as 19 out of the 34 local government party chairmen in the state, will boycott the rally.

The development is contrary to the statement made by the Chairman of the Atiku-Lado Campaign Council, Senator Umar Ibrahim Tsauri who while briefing newsmen on Sunday said, “I would like you to believe and agree with me that PDP is one big united family with full cooperation ready to take Nigeria to the promised land.”

The Director General of Atiku-Lado Campaign Council, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa at the press conference also said, “between him and the former Governor, they have agreed to put behind their differences and work together to send the ruling All Progressives Congress APC parking from the seat of power come 2023 elections.

“Let me confirm to you that last Thursday, I think we spent over 2 hours discussing with the former Governor, Ibrahim Shema and we agreed on one thing, to chase APC from power.

“We both agreed and confirmed that what the good people of the state wants is for us to join hands together to achieve this.

“Before this encounter, I want you to know that it’s been over 15 years that we have not met nor spoken to each other face to face. But we have now met, sat down, discuss and clarify lots of issues.

“So, be rest assured that he will participate in all the lined-up activities we informed you about. There’s no cause for alarm now, maybe until after the Atiku’s visit and he’s not there, then we can begin to say why is this one and that one not present.”

The embattled acting chairman of Katsina PDP, Salisu Lawal Uli, in a chat with Vanguard on the development, however, stated that PDP in the state is in crisis.

Uli said, “If their claim is actually true, since yesterday and today they are making adequate preparation, and the highest organ of the party, the state executive committee and 10 members out of the 14 members of the State working committee have not been informed of any development of the presidential candidate visits to Katsina State? Why also has 19 out of the 34 local government party chairmen in the state too have not been involved in the process?”

When asked if those of them in Shema’s camp will participate in the Atiku presidential campaign rally, Uli said: “If you are not in the knowhow of the scheme of the event, how can you participate, how can you be there?”