2011: Jonathan Challenges Opponents On Issues-Based Campaign
ABUJA, Sept 23, (THEWILL) - The Goodluck Jonathan/Namadi Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation has challenged other aspirants seeking the presidential ticket of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to run issues-based campaign rather than attack personalities.
Director of Media and Publicity of the Campaign Organization, Mr. Sully Abu, who threw the challenge today in Abuja, said they should follow Jonathan’s great example in this regard.
He spoke against the backdrop of media reports credited to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Sokoto that Jonathan’s aspiration was polarizing the nation and reports which quoted Governor Bukola Saraki to have dismissed the mammoth crowd that witnessed Jonathan’s last Saturday declaration alleging they were rented.
Abu said, "We call on all aspirants in the PDP to follow President Jonathan’s great example by running a campaign based on issues, on what they have to offer Nigerians to pull them out of the grip of poverty and underdevelopment rather than resort to throwing mud."
Such old-style politics which he said has not got the country anywhere should not be the forte of political aspirants who want to be taken seriously. He repeated his assertion that Jonathan’s opponents were obviously taken aback by the degree of the sophistication and organization displayed in the massive turnout at his hitch-free Eagle square declaration rally and by his message which has resonated exceptionally well across the land.
Responding to the claim by the Saraki group that the Eagle square capacity crowd that attended Jonathan’s declaration was rented, Abu said this was clearly a case of sour grapes.
He dismissed Saraki’s part in the anti-Jonathan gang-up by the other PDP presidential aspirants as not worthy to be taken seriously.
"Saraki preaches zoning at the centre when it suits him but obviously not in Kwara where the business of governance has been turned into a family affair. If nothing else, presidential candidates should be more principled," Abu said.