The Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to his endorsement by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum and Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
In a statement issued on Sunday night,Atiku said he was moved to tears by the endorsements which he said showed Nigerians across ethnic divides have resolved to work together for the good of the country amidst the divisions created by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The former Vice President said he will lead a Pan Nigerian when elected.
“I am moved to tears that in the midst of deep divisions and deliberate use of instrumentalities of state to set our people against themselves in the last three and a half years, responsible and respected leaders across Nigeria have agreed to come together for the purpose of endorsing my candidature for the February 16, 2019 presidential election.
“I profusely thank our leaders across the country who have created this wonderful moment for us to come to the table of brotherhood. Once again, and in the words of our old National Anthem, we can proudly sing: ‘Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’
“This has buoyed me to lead a Pan-Nigerian team that will give practical interpretation to what has been done by the time I take leadership of our country, by the grace of Allah, on May 29, 2019,” Atiku said.
The groups have on Sunday at a joint meeting held at the Ladi Kwali hall of the Sheraton hotel in Abuja endorsed Atiku as their candidate for next week’s general elections.