Labour Party demands apology from Atiku over ethnocentric comment
Reactions have continue to trail the comments credited to the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar in a viral video. The latest of it is the demand of apology by Labour Party camp over the comment by Atiku.
The Chief Spokesman of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko, called on Atiku to tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians over his ethnocentric sentiments.
Also Read:
Governor Okowa Is A Betrayer, Igbos Will Not Vote For PDP In 2023 – Ohanaeze
Tanko stated that it is wrong for anybody whether in a position of authority or not to use the ethnic card as a yardstick or campaign tool in Nigeria at the moment.
He said, “What we observed is that it is unfair for somebody who had been in the saddle of leadership of this country to play the ethnic card as a way of generating support.
“Our principal has made it clear long before now that even when people are trying to play ethnic agenda, nobody should look at him as an Igbo candidate. Our movement is a Nigerian project for the Nigerian people.
“So, in the interest of our democracy and unity of this country, which of course we represent, I think the former vice-president should apologise to Nigerians in such a way that it would show him as a true leader of a free country.
“Our principal has made it clear too that if there are issues that have to do with his co-candidate, he would be able to answer them personally. I know he actually prefers to speak on issues like this personally.”
I am Shocked to See This From Atiku – Emeka Obasi
The media aide to the LP Presidential candidate, Emeka Obasi, told The PUNCH that he was shocked to see an elder statesman playing such an ethnic card.
He said, “I saw the video of Atiku’s ethnic sentiment but I didn’t want to believe he said those things. So, I waited in vain hoping he will deny saying them before I comment.”
Also commenting on the development, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Ogala observed that Atiku’s statement was divisive.
Ogala said, “The North has never seen itself as the only region entitled to the office of the President. The northern electorate are above primitive and primordial sentiments.’’
Several other prominent Nigerians and groups have also been commenting on the statement which is generating so much outrage already.
Also Read:
Atiku Risk Jail Term for Ethnic Campaign
I am Disappointed at Atiku – Kingsley Moghalu
Governor Okowa’s SSA Dumps Atiku for Peter Obi
Nigerian Doctors Declare Their Support for Peter Obi, Promise 15 Million Votes
We will Do Everything Possible to Ensure That Peter Obi Wins – NLC and TUC
Peter Obi Humbles Hope Uzodimma in Owerri (Video)
Graft Allegations Dog Nigeria’s Main Presidential Hopefuls
Understanding The Concept of ‘Placeholder Candidate’ in Political Parlance