Atiku Abubakar Extends Birthday Wishes to Rotimi Amaechi
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed warm birthday wishes to Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transport. In a message shared on his X account on Wednesday, Atiku recognized Amaechi as a “brother and fellow patriot,” commending him for his extensive service to both Rivers State and the nation.
Atiku highlighted Amaechi’s courage and dedication, stating, “Your courage, faith and years of service to Rivers State and Nigeria continue to be an inspiration to many across the country.” He also conveyed his hopes for Amaechi’s health and longevity in his public service, saying, “We wish you all good health and strength and many years of continued influential service to our dear country.”
Amaechi Challenges Results of ADC Presidential Primaries
The birthday message came during a period of controversy surrounding the results of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries. Amaechi, who is the ADC’s presidential candidate, publicly rejected the outcomes on Tuesday, describing them as fabricated and not reflective of a fair electoral process.
In a statement shared on his verified X account, @ChibuikeAmaechi, he expressed his concerns about the legitimacy of the primary elections held across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, which he claimed were marred by widespread voter disenfranchisement. “Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during yesterday’s African Democratic Congress presidential primaries, I unequivocally reject the fabricated results being announced,” he asserted.
Integrity of the Electoral Process Called into Question
Amaechi reiterated that he would only accept the primary results if they were conducted transparently and fairly. “I will not accept an outcome from a process that does not reflect the values the ADC has pledged to uphold,” he stated, emphasizing the party’s commitment to provide a credible alternative for Nigerians amidst the prevailing issues of mismanagement and impunity under the current ruling party.
The former governor highlighted that a substantial number of party members were denied the chance to vote. “It’s impossible for about 80 percent of party members to not be allowed to vote, and you expect me to accept such a result,” he remarked, questioning the fairness of the electoral process.
The ADC’s Commitment to Credibility
Amaechi underscored the ADC’s establishment as a response to the need for credible political alternatives in Nigeria. He warned against any actions that could compromise the party’s integrity, stating that political parties criticizing vote-buying and electoral fraud should not engage in similar misconduct themselves. “Political parties that criticize the vote-buying, rigging and result-writing of the ruling APC and INEC cannot engage in vote-buying, result-manipulation and other electoral irregularities that lead to the disenfranchisement of voters who are members of the party. This is unacceptable,” he stated.
Amaechi’s rejection of the primaries occurred shortly after another presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatudeen, also announced his decision to boycott the final verification and declaration ceremony in Abuja, citing allegations of fraud as the reason for his withdrawal.
