Atiku backs govt of National unity to eliminate cabals

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday backed Government of National Unity (GNU), describing it as the antidote to eliminate the cabal perceived by many Nigerians to be ruling the nation from behind teh scene.

Speaking during a meeting with Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Atiku said that he’s committed to GNU, adding that the party had in the past brought in opposition parties.

He said: “We believe as a political party in national unity, and there must be stability before you can do anything, implement your economic programme, before you can implement your healthcare programme.

“Right from the beginning, I have been a member of the PDP and I know we have always believe in a Government of National Unity. It takes a long time for a country as diverse as Nigeria to be united and stable before we start talking about which ethnic group we come from or which religion we practice.

“I want to commit myself to the continuation of the doctrine a GNU. We have a lot of work to do together. We should not go back and rest and say we have endorsed. We have to deliberately take certain actions to make sure that we achieve our objectives.

“I want to assure you that as long as we are having a GNU, there will not be a cabal. We need a public presentation of this decision so that Nigerians will be further enlightened, so that every nook and crannies of this country can be informed.”

The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who also spoke, said that there are other things political parties can do if President Muhammadu Buhari refused to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill.

He said: “I made a statement two days ago appealing to Mr President on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill before him.

“We have made amendments and amendments. Everything he (Buhari) has asked for, we have changed it four times so that he can sign. We know there are those who are telling him not to sign. Even I heard some have gone to court so that he can use the excuse not to sign. That is a dangerous precedent.

“He has the prerogative to sign or not to sign. In the event he does not sign, I believe as political parties, we have the right, authority to also demand from INEC in terms of engagement.

“Political parties can take a position. This is the type of election they want. In most countries, political parties meet with the chairmen of their electoral commissions and they agree.

“So, some of the things that are not, even if he doesn’t sign, there are things that as political parties, we can sit down with INEC and say these are what must happen. There are two major items there, particularly on this issue of Incident Form and the issue of electronic transmission of results.”