Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday for engaging in “exclusionist politics” over the last seven years.
Exclusionist politics, especially in the context of ethnic nationalism, is the political theory and practise of excluding members of a certain community.
The former Vice-President issued a statement that he personally signed, cautioning against primitive emotions as the 2023 elections approach.
He pointed out that the APC’s egregious failures had brought the nation to an implacable low.
Atiku said: “In such a time when our country is going through a very difficult time, it is important that we do not allow any kind of primordial sentiments to becloud our politics. Politics is meant to be a corrective mechanism. So, even when we are upset about the inexcusable low that the ruling APC has brought us in the past seven years, we must ensure that we insulate our politics from the corrosive effect of the ruling party’s failures. A society cannot progress if its politics is convoluted.
“Dear friend and compatriot, the journey that we have signed on to undertake together is not one that we can accomplish by threading the inglorious path of exclusionist politics. This journey, our campaign, is a rescue mission for our great country and it is a mission that must involve all Nigerians.
“So, while our opponents might think that there is an easy road to victory in divisive politics, we must get the message across to them that Nigeria has seen the worst shade of exclusionist politics and the road ahead is the path of inclusive and unifying politics. That is what we stand for.
“We are the unifiers and the bridge-builders and we represent the future of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. Let me therefore remind you again, dear friend, that our talking points at the moment, and as we inch towards the campaign period shall be our policy document”.
