The Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, pledged that, if elected in the February 25 polls, he would ensure that the newly discovered oil wells in the north remain open and are fully explored to develop the region. He made the promise while canvassing for votes at a campaign rally on Tuesday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi State.
“At many years past, we were told there is oil and gas in the North‑East, around Lake Chad; now it is Bauchi and Gombe states. Today, this is yours, from the North‑East. If you vote for the PDP, we will guarantee that oil and gas exploration proceeds this time. No one will shut down our oil wells and claim there is no oil or gas—no! I promise you this by God’s grace,” Atiku said. He added that concerns about transporting the crude would be addressed by reviving the railway system, which would carry the oil to its destination. “Our neighbours Niger and Chad explore oil and export it; we will have our own ways of exporting this crude,” he asserted.
Running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, speaking to the large crowd, expressed confidence that “the people of Bauchi will give us nothing less than two million votes.” Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, speaking on behalf of other PDP candidates, assured Atiku that the state belonged to him and that all its votes would go to the PDP.
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