The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has committed to support a group of candidates and hopefuls in the general elections in 2023.
The pledge was made by the group on Friday in Abuja during the formal opening of its national office under the auspices of Atikulated Global Movement (AGM).
In support of the party's presidential candidate, the organisation also provided branded materials.
In her remarks at the office opening event, Princess Nikky Onyeri, the group's co-convener and national vice chairperson, made the commitment.
Onyeri said that the movement with slogan of the movement is, “aspirants and candidates united,” would use its network at the grassroots across the federation to deliver for Abubakar.
“Here is a grassroots organisation that cuts across the length and breadth of Nigeria in all the 36 states and the FCT.
“Our membership now is about 1,000 but we are working to accommodate about 15,000 candidates and aspirants that contested PDP tickets at all levels ready to work with us for the success of Abubakar,” she said
According to Onyeri, the movement had already met with Abubakar, who gave it the go-ahead to unite all PDP candidates in the most recent party primary elections.
She claimed that the movement had already reached out to all potential candidates, including gubernatorial contenders and incumbents across all geographic zones.
She exhorted PDP members and other Nigerians to campaign in favour of the Abubakar-Okowa presidential ticket.
Onyeri urged the other candidates to join the movement for the good of the party and the country.
“There is power in coming together. Together is power. We have a database of 15,000 aspirants, imagine the size of the community we are talking about.
“For other aspirants that are still sitting on the fence, this is the only way for you. If you don’t join this movement, four years from now, nobody is going to remember you,” she said.
Hajia Maryam Atiku Abubakar, the event's special guest of honour, praised the movement for taking it upon itself to support the party.
She thanked the group for striving to advance the PDP and Abubakar's candidacy in the general elections of 2023.
When the movement's headquarters were unveiled, Atiku, who is also the AGM National Leader and was represented by Hajia Hauwa Atiku Abubakar-Uwais, praised the movement's selfless and admirable efforts.
“The most important thing that I am taking away from this is the fact that the aspirants in PDP are relentless, selfless and they have put the party first.
“So this is very important for me, for the growth of the PDP and also for the success of the PDP in 2023 general elections,” she said.
Mrs Atiku urged all aspirants and candidates to put the party first, while advising those yet to key into the platform to do so without delay for the success of PDP in 2023.
“I believe that in everything that we do, we should always consider the platform that we are given.
“If the PDP will allow you into its fold even to contest for a primary election, I believe it has been welcoming.
“It is also important for you as an aspirant to also put your party first and to ensure that your party is successful, because if today it is not you, perhaps tomorrow it will be you,” she said.