The Candidates: Atiku And Obi Grilled As Atiku Says He Prevented Mbadinuju From Re-Election

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Mr Peter Obi, were grilled on Wednesday night at The Candidates, a political forum hosted by the Daria Media and NTA and moderated by Kadaria Ahmed.

Answering a question on the programme, Atiku said he was instrumental to the prevention of ex-Anambra State Governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, from securing PDP ticket for re-election in 2003.

Mbadinuju was governor of Anambra State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003. His tenure was noted for internal political wranglings resulting in a failure of effective government.

Atiku revealed that he had gone on tour of some states and that he was appalled to discover that schools in Anambra were shut down for two years on account of the Mbadinuju administration’s neglect.

Atiku added, “When I returned from the states’ tour, I told President Obasanjo that Mbadinuju must not be allowed to seek re-election.”

In answer to another question, Atiku described himself as ‘the most investigated politician in Nigeria,’ noting that, up until now, no one has convicted him of any crime.

He added that even ex-President Obasanjo investigated him, but came up with nothing.

He said he would accept defeat if the elections were adjudged free, fair and credible.

Atiku said having lost elections before, he would accept defeat if he was satisfied that the electoral processes were devoid of malpractice.

After the media chat, the audience erupted in jubilation and hailed Atiku and Mr Peter Obi for a wonderful performance.

In a tweet, one Bishop Faisal said, “Kadaria handled Buhari with kid’s gloves and he was a big flop. She’s tough on Atiku and like precious metal in fire, he’s shinning. #NgTheCandidates.”

In another tweet, Senator Ben Murray Bruce said, “The environment was hostile, yet @atiku was friendly and professional. That is Leadership in action. A man who does not react to his environment, but responds with his principle. #NGTheCandidates”