Gbenga Daniel Speaks On ‘Abandoning’ Atiku After Losing Election
The former Director-General of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Otumbe Gbenga Daniel, has reacted to claims that he “abandoned” Alhaji Atiku Abubakar after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate lost election.
Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, had on Saturday announced his resignation from the PDP, stating that he was quitting partisan politics.
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His resignation from the party and partisan politics came barely three weeks after Atiku, whom he toured the country with for presidential campaigns, lost the election to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Daniel had in his resignation letter addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said: “My decision in this regard is entirely personal to me and having served in various capacities, including as Governor of Ogun State, I have resolved to immerse myself in some other vocations and take on some new challenges.”
He also announced few days ago that his supporters were urging him to “lead them” to the APC.
The development had since earned him condemnations, including the one from former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, who criticised the former governor for allegedly dumping Atiku and the PDP “before the conclusion of Atiku’s election petition” against President Buhari’s victory.
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Reacting however on Tuesday, the former governor denied abandoning Atiku. He equally denied reports that he was planning to join the APC.
“I have not, will not and will never abandon Atiku. Atiku is different from PDP. I have resigned from PDP and lost interest in partisan politics having put in about 20 years of my life in a thankless process,” Daniel said.
“I will commit my God-given resources to help less privileged through my Foundation and will contribute sharing the body of knowledge through our not for profit Political Academy. That will be a thankful process.
“I will continue to support the political process in a non partisan manner. I am clear with my position, without any ambiguity. There is no need to insinuate, speculate, extrapolate, anticipate or draw conclusions on my behalf.
“I did not expect such a simple personal decision can generate such national discourse and for that I remain grateful to God. I am however most grateful to all my friends and well wishers. The phones have not stopped ringing. All the advice are well taken. My very deep appreciation,” he told reporters.
