PDP NWC Alleges Fresh APC, Presidency Plot to Frame Atiku

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government and the Presidency were involved in a fresh attempt to discredit its 2019 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as he pursued his election petition before the tribunal.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said alleged threats, fabrications and attempts to set up Atiku would not prevent him from challenging the outcome of the February 23 presidential election.

The party also rejected a statement attributed to the Presidency describing Atiku as “lucky to be walking free,” arguing that such language was provocative and raised concerns about the government’s intentions towards the former vice president.

According to the PDP, the alleged actions were connected to Atiku’s decision to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration as winner of the presidential election.

The party claimed that statements and activities by some government officials, presidential aides and the Buhari Media Organisation were part of what it described as a coordinated effort to portray Atiku negatively.

It alleged that the strategy included linking Atiku to a foreign lobbying organisation in an attempt to create controversy around his legal challenge and undermine his case before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The PDP further claimed that the alleged campaign was intended to create fear among Nigerians, suppress public opinion and interfere with the pursuit of justice through the courts.

According to the opposition party, another element of the alleged strategy involved circulating campaign posters and other materials designed to portray Atiku and the PDP as desperate to obtain power outside established democratic procedures.

The party argued that such actions were intended to damage Atiku’s reputation before both the judiciary and the Nigerian public.

The PDP also referred to reports alleging that Atiku paid $30,000 to a United States lobbying firm to assist in his efforts to challenge the presidential election result.

It dismissed the allegation and accused government supporters of first circulating the claim and subsequently using it as a basis for threatening the former vice president.

The party particularly criticised comments attributed to presidential aide Lauretta Onochie, who it said suggested that Atiku could face imprisonment and described him as fortunate to remain free.

The PDP warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to escalate into threats against opposition figures.

It said Nigerians should closely monitor developments surrounding Atiku, his family and members of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation as the election petition proceeded.

The party maintained that neither Atiku nor the PDP required a foreign lobbying group to establish their case before the tribunal.

It expressed confidence in the evidence presented in support of its petition and said the matter should be determined strictly through the judicial process.

The PDP therefore called on the Federal Government and the APC to allow the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to carry out its responsibilities independently and without interference.

It also urged government officials and political actors to avoid statements or actions capable of increasing political tension while the legal challenge to the 2019 presidential election remained before the courts.