November 28, (THEWILL) – The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr Benson Abounu, speaks with KAJO MARTINS, about the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of 2023 general election, and other national issues. Excerpts.
With the alleged massive rigging in the 2015 general election, do you think Nigerians can freely elect their political leaders in 2023?
Well, the truth of the matter is that it is only when people give room to rigging that it takes place. I have had the opportunity to be involved in several electoral processes. So, I can assure here that even when you are contesting an election in your council ward, if the people there don’t want rigging to take place, it won’t happen. In most cases, it is because the people themselves want rigging to take place. With what we have witnessed in the last six and half years under the ruling All Progressives Congress, I can’t understand why anybody will allow rigging in 2023. Most Nigerians are yearning for a change and this time around, it is not the kind of change that the APC promised in 2015, which turned out to be the worst type and a wrong one. Nigerians are now willing to have a better and good change that will impact positively on their lives.
There is a high level of insecurity in the country. Don’t you think it is a political strategy of the APC government to create apathy so as to rig the 2023 general election?
It depends on the angle one is looking at it from. Many Nigerians are actually shocked that in 2019 there was a ‘massive turnout’ of voters in war-torn areas in some states. Where there was relative peace and tranquillity, there was low turnout of voters. However, I’m thinking that in 2023, whatever is happening now, in terms of insecurity, is felt all over the country, including the places where you imagine rigging won’t take place. If you follow what Nigerians are saying now, you won’t believe that some people from certain areas of the country who ordinarily won’t be saying such are yearning for a change. They are saying things are not handled well by the present APC-led Federal Government. The quarters where such comments are coming from will surprise you. Therefore, it gives me the hope that Nigerians are united now in looking out for good leadership, government and good nation.
Do you think the PDP can provide the needed quality leadership, if given another chance in 2023?
Oh yes. Why not? Nigerians have already known that the correct party to form the national government at the centre in 2023 is the PDP. A good natured APC follower has known this fact. I can, therefore, assure here that between now and June next year, Nigerians will see a lot of changes, especially with the emergence of a former Senate President, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, as the National Chairman of the party. Some APC governors and other stalwarts are willing to return to the PDP in the nearest future.
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