Emeka Kalu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former gubernatorial candidate from Abia State, has criticized claims that the PDP’s loss in the 2023 presidential election was due to Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy.
Atiku Abubakar, who ran for president on the PDP ticket, lost to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent election.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday, Kalu dismissed the accusations against Atiku as politically motivated. He argued that such criticisms are attempts by political adversaries to tarnish Atiku’s reputation.
Notably, former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbodiyan and party stalwart Chief Olabode George have attributed the PDP’s defeat to Atiku’s candidacy. Kalu, however, described these attacks as unfounded and defamatory, emphasizing that Atiku has consistently worked to improve the nation’s socio-economic conditions.
Kalu remarked, “It is disheartening to see those who have benefited from Atiku’s political efforts now turning against him to appease his detractors. Former PDP spokesperson Kola Ologbodiyan and Chief Olabode George have made derogatory remarks about Atiku, suggesting his candidacy was the cause of PDP’s electoral loss. Such claims are baseless.”
He questioned how Atiku’s candidacy could have adversely affected the PDP’s chances given the numerous electoral irregularities that marred the election process.
Kalu, who is also the Director-General of GIGG, labeled the attacks on Atiku as part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at undermining his political stature. He stressed that Atiku’s extensive experience in public administration positions him as the ideal leader to address Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges.
He warned that if these defamatory attacks persist, legal action would be considered for defamation and misrepresentation. Kalu concluded with a call for respect towards Atiku Abubakar and urged that his reputation be protected from unwarranted damage.
