All powers belong to God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth. God gives lives and taketh it when he likes. If God says yes, no mortal (human being) can say no. God gives power to whomever he pleases and who are we to question his authority? Whatever God desires and wishes must come to pass. Just like he sent his only begotten son Jesus Christ to us with a mandate to save the world and humanity from sin and devil’s condemnation. As recorded in the bible, we learnt that in the course of Christ ministration here on earth, through divine guidance, Christ chose 12 able persons who became his followers and apostles. These chosen men were witnesses to his miracles signs and wonders. After his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven. The promised Holy Ghost fell on them in the image of a shining flame and they testified with boldness about Christ goodness and the manifestation of his divine miraculous powers. With exception of the betrayer, the remaining 11 apostles were commissioned and empowered to preach the good news and gospel so as to win more souls for the Lord. Therefore, the mantle of leadership fell on Peter the rock. Christ chose him and bestowed upon him the headship of the church. So with the support of others, Peter never disappointed the Lord and humanity as can be seen with the growth and presence of churches in every nation of the world.

Co-incidentally, Nigerians in general and PDP in particular are faced with a choice of a leader out of the 12 political apostles that have presented themselves for selection/election as PDP presidential candidate. Nigerians are praying and calling upon God to intervene in our country by helping us to choose the best amongst the 12 aspirants. We are at a cross road not knowing who to elect as our president from over 60 political parties in Nigeria. Although, if is obvious the battle is strictly between the party in power (APC of Buhari and Tinubu) and PDP the main opposition party that is yet to elect its candidate. PDP as a party has presented 12 able and capable personalities and state men in the persons of Saraki, Mark, Bafarawa, Ahmed, Makarfi, Tambuwal, Jang, Dankwambo, Turaki, Lamido, Kwakwanso and the legend, Atiku Abubakar. Any of them would make a good president considering their individual capacity, antecedent, integrity, track records and legacies in their various states and public service. But at this point in our national development when Nigeria is Africa Giant just only in name, we do not need just a good leader. Nigerians deserve an exceptional leader that thinks out of the box in every aspect of governance. And the person who is equal to the task is Ex Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the humble and passionate politician with vision and hunger for national and human capacity development. This man from Jada in Adamawa does not need any introduction in Nigeria political circle and any knowledgeable persons that have not heard his name must be foreigners. You can only mention Atiku anywhere and the other person will add Abubakar the former VP. Atiku has always desired to be president because he has vision and blue print since 1992 even when he was still under the political tutelage of late General Shehu Musa Yara-dua. Atiku in the opinion of many is the only aspirant in PDP who has the capacity, materially, financially and structurally to march that of the ruling party APC. PDP should give him its platform and the benefit of doubt to make a positive difference in our lives so as to make Nigeria the envy of other Africa nations.

If PDP fails to look the way of Atiku Abubakar, it is as good as kissing the presidency and Aso Rock good bye. PDP as one family needs the efforts and supports of every one of the aspirants to stand a good chance for victory against APC in 2019. The fact that Makarfi led the team that stabilized PDP should not be used against others to give him undue advantage. Likewise, the closeness of Sokoto State Governor, Tambuwal to Governor Wike. Their friendship should not be cloud the party’s sense of reasoning to know that millions of Nigerians are looking up to PDP to rescue the country from bondage, misgovernance and the pitiable situation we have found ourselves. What is at stake is far beyond PDP because majority of the electorates are non PDP members so the best man for the job is Atiku who has the network and the national spread and support base to kick APC out of power.PDP needs a united house in harmony and not impurity and manipulation of election process to favour any one. Most importantly there should be a level playing ground so as to avert post-election crisis which may provide avenue for crisis and disunity. PDP should not allow APC to instigate crisis directly or indirectly for their advantage.

There is a school of thought within PDP that wants its presidential candidate to emerge from North West simply because President Buhari comes from there. And the fact that NWP zone has the highest number of registered voters should not be considered above other factors. It is even to PDP’s advantage that 7 of its aspirants come from North West. If any of them couldn’t get the ticket, then they should all be encouraged to contest for senate in their states so as to boast PDP’s chances since both elections are taking place the same day and time. If and when they campaign and work seriously without be grudging the eventual winner there is no way Buhari and APC cannot be defeated. With Atiku’s influence, contact and network in North West and the efforts of other aspirant, victory is assured for PDP. Everyone knows Atiku learnt the rudiments of politics from his late boss General Shehu Musa Yara-dua who has great followership and numerous associates with electoral value. President Buhari cannot get the amount of votes he got against Ex President Jonathan except they rigged it.

In North East, Alhaji Atiku is a legend with tremendous influence and followership. No wonder a serving minister could met hide her support for him. Presently, Atiku is the most popular politician in North East zone. Besides, an average North Easterner would gladly vote for Atiku to change the fortune of their zone considering the fact that North East has least occupied the presidency out of the 3 zones in the North. North Easterners feel cheated as they suspect a conspiracy against them by other zones. Therefore equity demands that it should be zoned to North East now. Others zones should support North East now because they have stood behind other zones in the past.

As for the North central, they are patiently waiting for the election day to come so that they will put APC where it rightly belongs, it is pay back time for APC which has neglected these people who are in dear need of security. Their plight is nothing to write home about. The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property and out of commission or omission, APC has failed them. From Kwara to Nasarawa down to Benue, Atiku has foot soldiers that can attract votes for PDP. This is the moment for Atiku and the election train is full of his fans who are ready to move. The youth believe Atiku will not fail them as a youth friendly president to be, in short without mincing words Atiku is the choice of the youth.

In Lagos and other South Western states in Yoruba land, if it were possible, they would adopt Atiku as their son. No wonder they gave him a wonderful woman, Lady Titi as his first wife. (The woman from Osun State the land of Oduduwa). Atiku has always been welcome with open hands in South West and he enjoys his association with the Yorubas. They know Atiku is upright, wise, and full of wisdom politically exposed with international contacts and enviable experience. Atiku’s words are his bond. A vote for Atiku Abubakar is a vote for prosperity and economic growth in Yoruba land. Atiku is a better alternative to Buhari because he is tested and trusted.

In South South, which hosts most of his businesses that offer people opportunity to earn a living. One can rightly described it as PDP’s home base. Atiku is a household name there. Atiku as a business tycoon and business minded person is the second largest employer of labour after government of Rivers State. Therefore the presidency will offer him the chance to replicate that in other states to create economic boom in Nigeria. An Atiku in Aso Rock will be a blessing to Nigeria through unprecedented job creation and industrialization. Nigeria economy is in shamble and only a business man and industrialist like Atiku can make our wishful economic growth a reality. Atiku will restore the value of our currency (Naira) to its previous status as the highest currency in Africa. Nigerians, have we not had enough of Teachers and Soldiers as presidents? Let us give business men a chance. After all the business of any nation is business.

The Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria are culturally inclined to vote for Atiku because they cherish in-lawship in Ala Igbo. Atiku’s fourth professor wife is from Anambra State and her people do not abandon their in-laws whenever the person needs their favour. There is an adage in Igbo that says (Ogo mmadu bu nwanne ya), meaning, An in-law in Igbo land is just a brother. Atiku enjoys the supports of his Igbo friends and distant brothers, and his followership is massive. Nigerians know how the Igbos feel under the government of Buhari. They don’t feel any sense of belonging. Atiku, shares the same view with them on restructuring and economic freedom and liberty, commerce and industrialization, job creation, inclusiveness in governance national security appointment, liberal religious inclination and freedom of belief and non tribalism.

Atiku should reach out to more people and consult more stake-holders, states men, opinion leaders and religious leader and most importantly pray to God and reach out to his fellow contestants to withdraw for him and support his ambition He has started well by his meeting with Makarfi in Kaduna. Let him visit others also. What has just happened in Osun State should serve as an eye opener to PDP and Nigerians and whoever loves this country should condemn it in totality. Nigerian and PDP should seat up before the country becomes a one party state. Imagine PDP lost with 472 votes after previously leading with 353 votes as declared by INEC. Many believe there was a behind the scene movement.

One can only gives what one has and desperate situation needs desperate measure. Therefore, the dreams of Nigerians would be realized and achieved under PDP with Atiku Abubakar as our president. Atiku’s presidency would eliminate poverty, unemployment and hunger. It will create room for a peaceful and harmonious co-existence. He will give every tribe a sense of belonging. There will be equity and justice in Nigeria. PDP will review the security architecture of Nigeria. There will be an improved and better infrastructures. The development of human capacity will be guaranteed. The medical tourism to the western world will stop because PDP government will provide better health care delivery. There will be food security and agricultural revolution to make Nigeria the food basket of West Africa.

The man Atiku Abubakar has the magic wand and God is with him because the voice of the people is the voice of God Almighty who has just been challenged by former president Obasanjo and God is about to make a name for himself and must make a name for himself as he has always done since the creation of the world. A trillion Obasanjo(s) will be put to where they rightly belong. God bless Nigeria and Nigerians as I rest my case. Goodluck to PDP for a peaceful election convention.

Ifeanyichukwu Okeke (Wrote in from Port Harcourt)

08067615854, atikuyouthmovement626@gmail.com