PDP counters Buhari, says youth free to run for president in 2019

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned and described as degrading and completely unacceptable, the declaration made by President Muhammadu Buhari, that Nigerians youth should not contest the Presidency in the 2019 general elections.

PDP, in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, insists the Nigerian youth have come of age and are free, under all circumstances, to contest for any position, including the office of President, even in the 2019 general election.

The President who signed the “Not Too Young To Run” bill into law on Thursday at the Council Chamber of State House Presidential Villa, said the the youth can aspire for presidency but should postpone their campaign till after 2019 election as he is running for a second term.

The PDP, who had attacked the president in a statement yesterday, saying the bill was their initiative, alleged that the President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been using all manner of machinations to frustrate front line participation of the youth and of course, the women in active politics and governance.

“PDP describes such a declaration as totally unpresidential, unlawful, discriminatory and further showcases the disdain with which Mr. President holds the youths, who he had earlier described, without apologies, as lazy and lovers of freebies.

“We want Nigerians, particularly, the youth, to note that President Buhari’s position reflects the policy of his dysfunctional All Progressives Congress (APC), not to allow our youth the opportunity to aspire at top levels.”

The party said the president never supported the bill which is why his statement counters the purpose for signing the bill.

“It is unimaginable that a President can sign a law and immediately seek to suspend it. President Buhari’s attempt to talk down on and intimidate the youths from contesting against him in 2019 shows that he is not in support of the Not Too Young To Run law and only assented to it because he had no other option under the 1999 Constitution (as Amended).”

Alerting the Nigerian youth, the PDP said this statement shows the policy of the president and its party as it has nothing to offer them.

“The PDP therefore calls on all Nigerian youth to note that President Buhari and the APC have nothing to offer them and the nation at large. They should therefore spare no thoughts in jettisoning all support for President Buhari and the APC in their 2019 re-election bid.”

The party therefore called on all Nigerian youth to come together and rally on its repositioned platform and give vent to their wishes and aspirations, within the circle of their collective task, to rescue the nation.