A former Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, was absent at the presidential rally of the Peoples Democratic Party standard bearer, Atiku Abubakar, at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos.
Jang, who belongs to Governor Nyesom Wike’s camp, was said to have travelled abroad for medical treatment.
Speaking during his presidential rally on Tuesday, Atiku promised to revamp Nigeria’s economy if he wins next year’s presidential election.
The former vice president also promised to restore peace and rehabilitate roads if elected.
Atiku, who arrived at the stadium at exactly 2.03pm, had earlier visited the Anglican Bishop of Jos, Benjamin Kwashi; the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba, as well as the home of an Islamic leader, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir.
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.”
Atiku enjoined the people to vote for the PDP to enable him to deliver on his promises, also said, “We will make sure that this state is connected as far as infrastructure is concerned. I will restore peace and prosperity.”
The PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, recalled how the founding fathers and leaders of the party, including elder statesman Solomon Lar, brought development to the people through good governance.
He expressed regret that the gains recorded in Plateau State and the country under the PDP administration had been reversed when the APC took over power in 2015.
Ayu said, “You see what former Governor Jonah Jang did when he was in power. He and other patriotic leaders built Plateau When you left PDP, PDP left you, and you started suffering.
“Whatever cracks that exist in the party, are all over. PDP is back as one. PDP is a rock. Nobody is going to displace the PDP again in Plateau State.”
The National Chairman urged the people to vote for all the PDP candidates from top to bottom during the 2023 poll.
The PDP vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, noted that Nigerians had suffered so much at the hands of the APC administration.