2019 presidency: PDP speaks on being broke, Governors, presidential aspirants abandoning Atiku

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has reacted to claims that the other aspirants that contested the presidential ticket of the party with its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, have abandoned him.

Also speaking on the insinuation that Governors of the party are not showing up during campaign and reluctant in showing support for Atiku, the party said they were working together.

Speaking through one of the spokesmen for PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the party told Vanguard that it was broke but only abiding by the campaign rules with respect to finances of political campaigns. The benchmark is 1b naira.

Speaking on vibrant Campaign, Afegbua said, “I don’t know how much vibrancy you want to see more than what we are presently doing.

“The PDP is the only party that is vigorously campaigning. The ruling party is rudderless and confused because they have nothing to showcase to the people.”

On insinuations that the other presidential aspirants are not in the campaign train, Afegbua said, “The presidential aspirants are all involved.

“They are busy trying to ensure they have stranglehold on their states. Politics is local and they have to be involved in the local campaigns to ensure they deliver their states.

On Governors, he added, “We are working together. The PDP is not broke. Don’t forget that there are campaign rules with respect to finances of political campaigns.

“The benchmark is 1b Naira. We have resolved to abide with the rules of the games. The Governors cannot use public funds to run anyone’s campaigns.

“Whenever we need them at any point of the campaign, they will be available. But the beauty of the campaign so far is the fact that there is cohesion and unity.

“Saraki is the Director General of the Campaigns. Others have different responsibilities. Kwankwaso is busy in Kano. And making enough inroad.

“We need to reach out to everywhere because the message has to percolate down to the rural areas.

“The level of hunger is high. Poverty is everywhere. Hunger is killing people. Insecurity and kidnappings are rife.

“If you observe closely, only PDP is running a robust campaign. Others especially APC is sharing tradermoni to buy votes.

“They have nothing to showcase to Nigerians. They are just running from pillar to post looking for ways to rig the election.”