Atiku gave the charge in a broadcast, on Wednesday ahead of the March 18 governorship and state Houses of Assembly election.
The presidential candidate stated, “All hope is not lost. You must never give in to apathy. I assure you that the electoral fraud perpetrated by INEC will be reversed in due course as I champion the cause to reclaim our mandate.
The former vice-president while thanking Nigerians for their immense and high sense of patriotism in bracing the myriads of odds to perform their civic duty during the February 25 presidential election, appreciated their resilience, tenacity, and courage.
“It is indeed heart-warming that you have faith in rescuing and rebuilding our great country, as envisioned by our great party, the PDP.”
While also thanking Nigerians for their non-violent conduct despite the provocations, he further remarked, “As attested to by both local and international observers, the result of the February 25 presidential election as announced by the INEC was grossly tainted and did not reflect the will of the electorates. You all have demonstrated against this blatant injustice through different mediums.
“Indeed, what INEC did in announcing the manipulated result was a clear breach of not only the 2022 Electoral Act but also its own guidelines which the electoral commission had repeatedly claimed it would uphold the standards we had seen in the Osun and Ekiti elections. The INEC chairman further ignored calls for a review of the process in line with the amended law.”
He maintained that as citizens, they must continue to show resilience in the defence of Nigeria’s democracy and in the exercise of their rights to vote, adding that “as the March 18 governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections beckon, I urge you as patriotic citizens of our dear country to come out in your numbers to cast your votes. That is one of the ways you can use to demonstrate against the sham of an election on February 25.
“As you cast your votes peacefully this Saturday and in observance of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, be sure to do so for the candidates of the PDP, the only true national party, for a greater and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
