Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong plea to the people of Edo State, cautioning them against casting their votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming state elections. He warned that continuing to support the APC would only perpetuate the suffering and hardship currently plaguing Nigeria. Atiku’s remarks were made in a statement posted on his Facebook page, titled “The Clear Choice for a Prosperous Edo State,” where he painted a grim picture of the nation under APC leadership, highlighting rising poverty, hunger, and insecurity.

A Critique of the APC’s Governance

Atiku criticized the APC for what he called its failure to improve the lives of Nigerians, asserting that the party has driven the country into deeper hardship. He pointed to skyrocketing fuel prices, which have surged above ₦900 per litre, as evidence of the party’s mismanagement. He reminded voters that the APC, which once criticized past governments for raising fuel prices, now presides over unprecedented hikes, displaying cruelty and disregard for the masses.

Atiku argued that the APC’s promises have been hollow, designed to deceive voters while the party’s leaders pursue their own selfish ambitions. He accused the APC of abandoning the ideals of good governance, allowing poverty, despair, and insecurity to fester across the nation. The former vice president lamented that under APC rule, Nigeria has become a place where even basic necessities like food have become unaffordable for millions, leading to widespread suffering.

A Call to Support the PDP’s Vision for Edo State

In his statement, Atiku made a compelling case for voters in Edo State to reject the APC and support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. He described Ighodalo as a capable leader who is genuinely committed to serving the people and improving their welfare. According to Atiku, electing Ighodalo would be more than just a vote for change; it would represent a rejection of the APC’s governance failures and a step toward building a better future for Edo State.

Atiku also lauded the current governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, for his efforts in bringing development to the state. He urged voters to consolidate these gains by choosing a candidate who would build on the foundations laid by Obaseki. Supporting Ighodalo, Atiku argued, would be a choice for prosperity, dignity, and hope—a vision that contrasts sharply with the suffering he believes the APC has inflicted on Nigerians.

The Power of the People to Enact Change

Atiku emphasized that the real power to bring about change lies in the hands of the voters. He encouraged the people of Edo State to reflect on whether the APC has improved their lives or simply deepened their struggles. He urged them to use their votes as a tool to send a clear message not only to the APC but to the rest of Nigeria—that the electorate will no longer tolerate deceitful and self-serving leadership.

“The APC has donned the mask of a friend to the masses, but behind this veil lies a sinister reality,” Atiku said, cautioning that the party has lured voters with sweet promises only to betray them once in power. He stressed that the upcoming election is an opportunity for Edo voters to liberate themselves from the “shackles of poor governance” and forge a new path for the state.

Conclusion: A Resounding Call for Change

Atiku’s message to Edo voters was clear: the APC has failed to deliver on its promises, and the time has come for the people to take control of their future. He appealed to voters to cast their ballots for Dr. Asue Ighodalo, ensuring that Edo State moves in a direction that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. By doing so, Atiku believes that Edo can become a beacon of hope, demonstrating that change is possible when the people stand united in their resolve to improve their lives.