A group, the Yar Adua/Atiku Political Family and Friends in Ekiti, has expressed confidence that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will get Nigeria out of the current economic downturn if elected the president in 2019.

The group also said restructuring, especially fiscal federalism that Atiku is championing, will not hurt any part of the country but will allow for the speedy economic development of the country as a whole.

The group spoke through its leader, HlBode Ajewole, during its meeting at the weekend in Iroko-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area.

According to Ajewole, “Atiku is not only a rugged politician, but he is also a successful businessman and knows how to run businesses and institutions and getting positive results. He is also the type who surrounds himself with brilliant minds and who listens to and takes wise counsel.

“He knows the pains Nigerians are currently experiencing and he is not going to be president by accident. He is very much prepared for the task ahead. His call for restructuring is not a matter of lip service. He knows it is a potent measure needed to really actualise the potential of our dear country and for it to take its pride of place in the comity of nations.”

Ajewole said those accusing Atiku of corruption were only chasing shadows, challenging them to bring any evidence they have to the public domain.

“Atiku’s traducers are only crying wolf where there is none. He has been investigated a number of times and was never indicted.”

He described the chance of Atiku winning the presidential election as very bright, adding that the Atiku project was beyond the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that is fielding him as its candidate.

“It today’s meeting and in this project are members of the All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Action Democratic Congress and many political parties and stalwarts too numerous to mention,” he added.

Ajewole opined that Nigerians were tired of President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC and would vote them out next year.

He admonished Buhari to let the will of the people matter and not soil his image and that of Nigeria with election rigging.

•Excerpted from Sunday Tribune report

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