Paul Ibe, the media aide to Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday, said it would take more than securing the services of an angel for the ruling All Progressives Congress to convince Nigerians to reelect the party next year.
Ibe’s reaction is coming on the heels of the appointment of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as the National Youth Coordinator of Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
The appointment, which was conveyed in a letter addressed to Bello, carried the signature of the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The national leader of the APC stated that the governor has distinguished himself as a worthy ambassador of the ruling party due to his impressive political achievements and exemplary leadership.
Tinubu also expressed strong conviction that Bello will conduct an effective, message-driven campaign that can lead them to victory in the 2023 Presidential election.
The letter partly read, “By way of this letter, we are pleased to formally convey your appointment as National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
“This appointment is fitting and appropriate, given your impressive political achievements and the exemplary leadership you have demonstrated as governor of your state and as a party member.
“We are grateful that you have joined our campaign team. We know you will do your utmost in this new responsibility so we conduct an effective, message-driven campaign leading us to victory in the 2023 Presidential election.
“Together, not only can we ensure victory for our party in the February 2023 election but we shall also move Nigeria along the path of national greatness by building on the achievements of our party and the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in providing progressive good governance to Nigerians. We wish you God’s speed and guidance.”
There have been several accolades and plaudits from a number of chieftains, supporters and aides of the governor.
Reacting to Bello’s appointment, a former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, disclosed that Tinubu is known to add people who will bring value to his campaign.
But Atiku media aide, Paul Ibe, thinks otherwise.
An indifferent Ibe told our reporter hours after the appointment was announced that Bello will have a difficult time selling APC to frustrated and hungry youths.
According to him, even if the ruling party secures the services of an angel, the Nigerian youth will not be moved.
He said, “What will this newly appointed national youth coordinator (Bello) will be telling young people without jobs? They are free to appoint anyone to achieve whatever objectives they seek to achieve.
“But one thing is constant – whoever they appoint, even if the person is an angel from heaven, the person has to live with the reality of this government’s failure. I don’t know what they will sell to Nigerians. This election is a referendum on the failed policies of the APC. They have left Nigerians poorer, hungrier, insecure and more divided than ever. That’s the scorecard of the APC and the APC presidential candidate has to own it. The directorate of their campaign also has to own it.
“It is therefore not about who they appoint but about the fact that the last seven years were wasted by the APC administration. These are years that Nigerians will forever regret and pray that the 19th-century archaic rule never happens again.”
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