Atiku gave the caution in Enugu, on Tuesday at the PDP presidential campaign rally where he reiterated his pledge that his presidency would be a stepping stone for the Igbo to become president.
The well attended rally graced by some of the prominent Igbo members of the party was, however, boycotted by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the tradition of the G-5 governors who have given the PDP presidential flag bearer the cold shoulder. Also absent was the senator representing Enugu East, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani who has thrown support behind Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC for which reason he was expelled from the party a week ago.
Speaking against the background of the excitement generated by Obi, the Labour Party candidate and his 2019 running mate, Atiku without mentioning his rival by name said:
“I want you to know that this country is geared towards electing a PDP government. Do not be an exception, do not be a minority.
“The next government in this country is going to be formed by the PDP. Therefore as you have always been, be in the mainstream of Nigerian politics because that is the only way that can bring about the prosperity, economic development, the peace and security that you are looking for in this part of the country and also in the country in general.”
The PDP flag-bearer while reiterating his pledge to handover to an Igbo person on either side of the River Niger said:
“And I mean it. I mean it, whether an Igbo man is from the Southeast or from the South-South it is the same…
“Today, my running mate is an Igbo man. It is a universal race. So, my fellow brothers and sisters in Enugu State, I want you to continue believing in the PDP.”