SEVERAL of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were stranded in Jos, the Plateau State capital, shortly after concluding the party’s presidential campaign rally in the state on Tuesday, December 13.
Also stranded were the National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature, security personnel working directly with the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as well as journalists.
Atiku and the PDP Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) were said to have been transported to the airport shortly after the rally and reportedly boarded and departed from the state about 30 minutes later.
However, shortly after their departure, the airport tower signal was off and it was alleged that an aircraft about to land was forced to turn back.
Some PDP members alleged that this could have been politically motivated and suspected a foul play.
Atiku, while speaking at the rally, promised to revamp Nigeria’s economy, restore peace and rehabilitate roads if elected in next year’s election.
The former vice president had earlier visited the Anglican Bishop of Jos, Benjamin Kwashi, Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba, as well as the home of an Islamic leader, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir.
A former governor of the state, Jonah Jang, who belongs to Governor Nyesom Wike’s camp, was visibly absent at the event, as he was said to have travelled abroad for medical treatment.
Addressing the people, Atiku said: “For the people of Plateau, it is a homecoming for me, because I have been a resident of this state for the past 20 years. All roads connecting the Plateau to other states have been neglected by the APC. We will rehabilitate all the roads and revamp the economy of the state.”
He charged the people to vote for the PDP to enable him deliver on his promises, adding: “We will make sure that this state is connected as far as infrastructure is concerned. I will restore peace and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Atiku gaffed when, while concluding his speech in Hausa, said: “For God’s sake and for the value of this place, ensure that you vote for A… I mean PDP, this time around.”
