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Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar has restated his faith and commitment to a free, fair and peaceful elections, even as he expressed disappointment at the events that finally led to former president Bill Clinton expressing his inability to visit Nigeria because of recent “conversations” that has made the visit no longer possible.

Atiku’s regret is contained in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, stating that the PDP Presidential candidate understood the reasons given by the former US president and wished that the situation on ground were more ideal as to make his visit more conducive.

Pointing out that Atiku Abubakar, a man with a history and pattern of peaceful democratic activity, had looked forward to President Clinton’s visit, stated: “We quite understand the reasons given by President Clinton, coming especially after the unfortunate “body bag” comment emanating from the All Progressives Congress.”

The full text of the statement Reads:

PRESS RELEASE

Atiku Restates His Fidelity To Free, Fair and Peaceful Elections

Abuja, Nigeria, 12 Feb 2019: It is with some disappointment that we note the release from President Bill Clinton expressing his inability to visit Nigeria because of recent “conversations” that have made the intended visit inexpedient. We understand the reasons given by President Clinton and wish the situation on the ground were more ideal as to make his visit more conducive.

We note that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, a man with a history and pattern of peaceful democratic activity, had looked forward to President Clinton’s visit.

We quite understand the reasons given by President Clinton, coming especially after the unfortunate “body bag” comment emanating from the All Progressives Congress.

Be that as it may, Atiku Abubakar wishes to reaffirm to Nigerians and the world, his commitment to peace and democracy and urges all contestants and parties involved in the 2019 Nigerian elections to publicly do the same.

Atiku Abubakar urges all Nigerians to peacefully troop out in their numbers to vote according to their conscience and dictates. A large voter turnout makes it even more difficult, and perhaps impossible to rig elections.

Atiku Abubakar also notes the harassment of friends of Nigeria by the Buhari administration and its agents and privies, who have taken to releasing and uttering statements threatening diplomats and election observers.

We wish to make known to these individuals the fact that Nigeria has long-standing friends and it will be myopic to burn those bridges on the altar of desperation.

Finally, we urge President Muhammadu Buhari to place the interest of Nigeria above partisanship and call these antagonists to order.

Paul Ibe
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party & Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007.