Why South-West will deliver Atiku/Obi ticket
Chief Abayomi Tella, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state, says his commitment to the party’s goal exceeds his personal ambition adding that he is a loyal party man.
Speaking in an interview with The Sun NG, Tella who was tipped to be the deputy governorship candidate of his party but was not eventually picked explained that it’s the sole prerogative of the governorship candidate to choose his running mate.
“It’s true the deputy governor was zoned to my area but remember it’s the sole prerogative of the governorship candidate to choose his running mate, for whatever reason or reasons best known to him he preferred someone else,” he said.
Tella who is also the National Deputy President of Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM) also explained why he dropped plans of contesting a place in the Federal House of Representatives despite calls from his constituents.
He said, “As for the House of Representatives slot, I actually dropped the aspiration for the deputy governorship slot. But my brother the rest is history…. For me, as a child of destiny, I hand over my political future to God. I am a loyal party man.”
Why South-West will deliver Atiku/Obi ticket
Also speaking on the 2019 presidential poll, the two-term Ado-Odo/Otta local government Chairman stated optimistically that the PDP presidential candidate will win the election.
Taking a pragmatic look at Atiku/Obi chances in the poll as it concerns South West states, Tella said the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed in its campaign promises which consequently led to a sharp decline in economy of the region in the last two years adding that industries are folding up while others are relocating to neighbouring countries because of poor economic policy of APC administration.
He said, “as a South West Exco member of the PDP, I will take a pragmatic look at Atiku/Obi chances in the poll as it relates to South West states. You will agree with me that there is a sharp decline in the economy of South West in the last two years; industries are folding up while others are relocating to neighbouring countries because of the poor economic policy of APC administration.
“Different exchange rates are jerking up the prices of goods and services. Petty businesses are folding up. Southwest, which used to be center of business activities, has grinded to a halt.
“Education is the worst hit under this dispensation. Students who are supposed to graduate in the next two years are now at home due to prolonged strike.
“In area of agriculture, our farmers now live in fear from herdsmen attacks because of government’s inaction. If we have a government that checkmates the menace may be things would fall in line.
“So it is only Atiku Abubakar that can solve this problem permanently. I am of the opinion that Abubakar would win the election irrespective of what the opposition is planning. They would attempt to rig but such plan would fail, we shall resist every plan to rig the election. Come to think of it, unemployment is rendering our youths useless. Our people have now turned to beggars. Yoruba are not beggars, but the poor economy has pushed them to the wall.
“Why Atiku? You would ask me. Yoruba vote for Atiku is Ibo Alajobi. Yes Atiku is one of us. The South-West was the first geopolitical zone to put restructuring before Atiku.
“Atiku is the first northerner to share in the belief that Nigeria needs to be restructured. A vote for Atiku is in the interest of the South West because of the following reasons: First his wife is a Yoruba from the South West. Secondly, it was Atiku that stepped down for late MKO Abiola.
“He had opportunity to contest the election and split Abiola’s votes in the North-East, but he chose to step down and supported Abiola. Without his sacrifice there wouldn’t have been June 12.
“Atiku also worked with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo for eight years as vice president, for eight years even when some people urged him to go for the presidency after Obasanjo’s first tenure, he chose to remain loyal to him.
“He spent most of his time in Yoruba land and as such understands the temperament of the South West. These are some of the reason the zone is resolute in its belief to give Atiku their block votes.
“He is the only presidential candidate prepared to govern this country. Since three years ago, he has drawn up plans on how he would entrench good governance in the country. I am sure Atiku would create job just as he would attract foreign investors.
“Nigeria’s unity is threatened but as a bridge builder he would unite the country and save it from ethnic chauvinists. Through restructuring and diversification of the economy, he would return the country to the part of glory.”
“When you look at the present administration, you would discover a lot of deceit. All their promises have failed. But Atiku would keep his campaign promises. Based on these poor performances, Nigerians have resolved to vote against President Muhammadu Buhari so as to get the desired change that we really need.
“We are not just giving Atiku Abubakar our mandate; we are doing that with a warning that if within one year he fails to implement his campaign promises, the South West could change their mind. But I must confess to you that Atiku that I know and met is passionate about this country and would deliver on his promises.”
 in Ogun state, says his commitment to the party's goal exceeds his personal ambition adding that he is a loyal party man.){kind=link}