The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday sent a congratulatory message to President Muhammadu Buhari on his 76th birthday, tasking him on a credible 2019 election.
The party said at 76, Buhari had attained a father-figure position and should do everything to respect the aspirations and will of the Nigerian people on all issues, particularly as the nation heads for the 2019 general elections.
The PDP’s message was contained in a statement signed by the national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.
The opposition party urged Buhari to leave a lasting legacy by doing all within his powers to ensure that the nation he leads knows peace; to ensure that rules are obeyed and that the sensibilities of the people, in their diversities are fully respected.
The statement said: “In this regard, the 2019 general elections place a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of President Buhari to guarantee peaceful, credible, free and fair elections, particularly, the presidential election, by
ensuring that all electoral laws and rules are obeyed; that opposition
members are not molested; that the amendment to the Electoral Act is
signed; as well as to declare like his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan did in 2015, that his 2019 re-election ambition is not worth
the blood of any Nigerian.”
“If President Buhari looks at the state of the nation today, he will
discover, and we believe he is aware, that the situation has become
horrendous for the average Nigerian.
“Therefore, the PDP urges President Buhari to use this occasion to
reflect on his administration and do all to ensure that posterity does
not remember him for violation of human rights, suppression of
opposition and dissenting voices; disobedience to court orders, nepotism
and divisiveness; escalation of violence, bloodletting and concealment
of corruption under his administration.
“In all, the best gift President Buhari can give Nigerians is, having
openly agreed that he lacks the capacity to manage our economy, to allow
a credible election to enable Nigerians to vote our presidential
candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who understands the nuances of our national
challenges and who has a blue print for economic recovery, to come and
turn things around for all our people, while he withdraws to Daura for a
well-deserved rest.
“On this note, the PDP congratulates President Buhari as he turns 76 and
prays that the Almighty Allah grant him good health and many more years
ahead.”