Atiku: Why I Respect Fayose’s Political Game

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has extolled Governor Ayodele Fayose’s political ideology and style during his Wednesday’s visit to Ekiti State.

Atiku’s visit to Fayose ignited speculations of whether the duo may be teaming up as running mates in the 2019 presidential elections.

Recall that the ex-Vice President had recently returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after dumping the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the grounds of alleged maltreatment of those “invited to join the All Progressives Congress on the strength of a promise that has proven to be false.”

Speaking yesterday to journalists in Ekiti, Atiku among other qualities eulogised Fayose for being a “blunt and straightforward” politician.

“He (Fayose) calls the shots and when he does so, we all take the queue,” said the former Vice President.

“This is not surprising as Fayose and I had struck a good relationship since his first tenure as governor and I was VP. He is blunt and straightforward, a sharpshooter in politics and I respect him for that this.

“But above all, he is also the chairman of our give forum, today among the governors, among the party generally he calls the shots and when he does so, we all take the queue.

“I have visited this state severally with other governors in the saddle, what I have observed has been a monumental development in terms of infrastructure in the state and the quality of life of the people, but as a politician, anywhere we were driving along the road, from Akure he was receiving cheers all through, while the road from Akure to Ekiti was bad that from Ekiti into the state is splendid.

“I have seen what you have achieved and your footprints are all over the state capital, I commend you for that and for your leadership, I believe you have quite a lot to offer for our country.

“Another unique thing the governor has done is telling me that his deputy is being supported as the party candidate in the next election, this is a very rare feat in the democratic system of our country, how many deputy governors have succeeded their governors?

“It means he has the foresight and wants someone to continue his good works, and I hope if you have the opportunity by the grace of God you will continue the good works. I am coming back to campaign with you for 2018 polls”, Atiku told Fayose.

He added that “Electorate should not vote the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 presidential election, because: APC has failed this country. That party is not the solution to our country’s challenges. ”