THE presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has pleaded with Nigerians to give his party “another opportunity” in the 2023 general election.

Atiku said the country enjoyed its “greatest growth” when the PDP was in power for 16 years.

The PDP standard bearer spoke on Tuesday when he visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

He said: “You will all recall that from 1999 to 2015, Nigeria witnessed its greatest growth, biggest prosperity and peaceful coexistence during the PDP era

“We believe it is time for you, the people of this country, to give us another opportunity so that we can restore the unity of this country, so that we can secure this country again, make the nation more prosperous than any other country in the continent of Africa.

“If the mandate is given to the PDP, the unity, peace and stability will be achieved across the nation, which will lead to government of national unity.”

The former Vice President reiterated his plan to restructure the country, if elected president, stressing that it is the only way to guarantee growth and progress.

Also, a former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and 2023 Osun State governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP), Lasun Yusuf, has defected to the PDP.

This happened as Atiku pleaded with the electorate in Osun State to vote for him because he married an indigene of the state, a native of Ilesha, Titi.

The former Vice President also said he has got the best experience in governance to steer the affairs of Nigeria well.

At the PDP presidential campaign yesterday in the state, dignitaries and leaders of the party stormed Osogbo, the state capital, to woo supporters for votes ahead of 2023 general election.

Major roads, including Ola-Iya Junction, Old Garage and Rasco, which led to Freedom Park, the venue of the campaign, were shut down by security operatives for over seven hours to enable the dignitaries access the campaign arena.

Lasun Yusuf, who was an All Progressives Congress (APC) member before defecting to LP to get the Osun State governorship ticket, joined the main opposition at its campaign.

He had promised to deliver Osun State for the LP presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Yusuf was presented with the party’s flag by National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and he prayed for Atiku to win the 2023 election.

Addressing the crowd, Atiku said: “I have come to thank you for what you have done in 2022 governorship election. You are wonderful people for returning PDP to power in the last state election. I believe by returning PDP into power at the Federal level, you will strengthen this authority because a Federal Government controlled by the PDP and state government controlled by the PDP in Osun is to the greater good of you all.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke said Atiku has sufficient experience to steer the ship of state towards sustainable growth, peace and development.