-
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions have sparked conversations, with critics asking him to step aside for younger candidates.
-
Otunba Segun Sowunmi, a PDP chieftain, believes Atiku has the right to run for president, citing constitutional rights and party rules.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has maintained that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has the right to run for president, despite criticism over his multiple attempts.
Sowunmi emphasized that the decision to contest is a personal one, granted by the constitution.
In an interview with Vanguard, Sowunmi said, “The first thing people must understand is that a lot of suggestions, persuasion, argument, pressure, and bullies come into play in politics, but whether any human being will contest any election is purely the rights granted to them by the constitution and according to the platforms of the party.” He added that instead of focusing on how to win the general election, people are devoting too much time to trying to bully Atiku, who “cannot be bullied.”
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Sowunmi argued that the PDP and other parties have the freedom to zone their presidential candidates according to their constitutions.
READ ALSO: PDP set to drag defectors to court
“What law would you use to prevent somebody from contesting an election when we have even created laws to say anybody who wants to contest is free to contest?” he queried.
Recounting Atiku’s past attempts, Sowunmi emphasized that aspirants should not be denied their constitutional rights.
“He has contested primary tickets in parties before that he didn’t win, and he has also contested primary tickets in parties that he has won… So, what I’m trying to say in essence is that, don’t let us put too much energy on depriving people of their rights,” he said.
Leave a comment