The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as laughable and
diversionary, the recent statement by the APC “wherein it made a failed
attempt to launder its poor image by trying to tutor on issue-based
campaign, which it has blatantly refused to practice.”
The PDP noted that while it has been showcasing its numerous
achievements in all the sectors of national life, the APC has on the
other hand dwelt on propaganda, political mudslinging and empty promises
to the people.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Tuesday
said “it is rather hypocritical for the APC whose campaigns and press
statements have centered only on insults, blackmail and attempts to
caricature office holders, especially President Godlike Jonathan to now
turn round to accuse others of a despicable conduct for which it has
become notorious.”
“It is indeed public knowledge that the PDP campaigns, press releases
and utterances of our officials have always focused on issues that
promote the development, unity and prosperity of our dear nation. This
cannot be said of the APC which dwells on abuses, promoting of violence
and posting of lies, ostensibly due to its lack of manifesto”.
The PDP noted that in keeping with its ideology and strict adherence to
democratic tenets and good conduct, it has based its campaigns on record
of verifiable achievements and roadmap for a more prosperous future in
line with the visions of its founding fathers.
“For instance in the last four weeks, our press statements and rallies
have focused on profiling the performance of our administration,
showcasing to Nigerians with facts and figures, the achievements of
President Goodluck Jonathan in key sectors of the economy, including
education where we have ensured greater access to quality learning
through special interventions such as the Back To School programme, the
Almajiri system of education, establishment of new universities and a
host of other programmes; in transport, where we have revived the
railways and the inland waterways as well as the massive investments in
road infrastructure and power.
“Also, we have been outlining our performance in health and agriculture,
where we have achieved increased life expectancy and reduction in food
import; in economy, where we have become the largest in African and the
third fastest growing in the world with Nigerian private enterprises
thriving in all sectors. This is in addition to our effort in ensuring
the stability of our nation through strict adherence to the rule of law
and guaranteed personal freedom, which Nigerians now enjoy.
“Similarly, President Jonathan has also focused on his achievements and
laudable plans for the future to the admiration of majority of citizens
who have also endorsed him for re-election. This is also the case in the
campaigns of all other candidates of our great party across board.
“On the other hand, APC press statements and those of their leaders have
always been laced with bitterness, insults and inciting comments,
symptomatic of frustrated and disgruntled elements desperate for power.
“Nigerians have been witnesses to the stage antics and insults that have
characterized APC rallies. Their messages have been those of hate,
threats to peace and unity in addition to unleashing of thugs on
innocent Nigerians.
“In all these, the PDP has refused to be distracted but rather
maintained the high moral ground in our determination to ensure a
united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
“The APC has failed to articulate any manifesto to back up it much
orchestrated change slogan. They have failed to show in concrete terms
how they intend to actualize the empty promises they have been making,
thinking Nigerians will not see through their hollowness,” it said.
The PDP therefore charged the APC to rather purge itself, heed the
advice of Nigerians and the international community and change its
politics of bitterness and desperation.