Convert your support for me into votes, Atiku tells Delta supporters

Asaba, the capital of Delta State, came to a halt on Tuesday as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) turned out in droves to honor the party's presidential campaign in the city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 25,000+ capacity Stephen Keshi Stadium, the venue for the rally, was overflowing with party supporters while those outside the stadium were more numerous than those inside.

Addressing the rally, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar praised the high turnout and urged those present to convert their support to vote overwhelmingly for the party.

He thanked the people of Delta for their strong commitment to the PDP since 1999 and urged them to continue supporting the party.

He assured that the support that drove his decision to choose Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate was part of his commitment to reward the state and the Niger Delta in general.

He said his administration would delegate power to the states to allow them to control their resources, stressing that the sacrifices of the Delta and the Niger Delta would be rewarded.

Atiku said he was not in Delta to campaign but to show his gratitude to the people for supporting the party since 1999 until today.

“The delta and indeed the entire Niger Delta have never failed me; you have supported me throughout and i will not betray that trust.

“It is because of the support that I have chosen one of yours in Governor Okowa as my running mate,” he said.

He called on the people to support the party and vote en masse for the PDP to ensure the realization of the party's agenda.

Atiku is committed to ending strikes in higher education institutions to ensure a credible and functional education system in the country.

He also pledged to grow the economy through massive industrialization; ensure safety of life and property and control of resources.

"With me as President, I want to assure you that there will be no more ASUU strikes.

“Furthermore, we will delegate power to the states; there will be resource control and you as the Niger Delta will benefit from this policy.

"Security is paramount; it is our responsibility and our commitment to secure this country for businesses to thrive.

"Since 1999, Delta has remained a PDP state and it has continued to reap the dividends of good governance.

"You must believe in the DPP to deepen development and grow our economy to become the largest economy on the continent," Atiku said.

For his part, Mr. Okowa instructed PDP supporters to convert the high turnout into votes by collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by voting for all PDP candidates.

He said the strong turnout from young people and others was impressive and since Delta is the choice for vice president, people should appreciate Atiku with a large number of votes.

“We were looking for a president with ability, knowledge and experience; Atiku fits in and he is the man who is kick-starting the county's economy,” Mr. Okowa said.

In his address, Chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, instructed the people to affirm their...