The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commended Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for demonstrating political tolerance and allowing his party to conduct its presidential campaign rally in the state without hindrance.
Atiku said the governor provided the ADC with the accomodations support and hospitality despite their political differences, describing the gesture as a demonstration of fairness and respect for democratic principles.
He made the remarks on Saturday during the ADC presidential campaign rally held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
The former vice president said the ADC delegation received a warm reception from the moment it arrived in the state, adding that the party was granted access to public facilities to exercise its constitutional right to campaign.
According to him, the treatment accorded to the party in Bauchi was different from its experiences in some other states, where it had allegedly been denied access to public venues and government-owned facilities for campaign activities.
Atiku particularly appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for permitting the party to use the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium for its rally and providing accommodation in government-owned facilities.
He said the gesture was especially commendable given that he and the governor belong to different political parties and are on opposing sides of the political divide.
Atiku also expressed appreciation to the governor, who is the national leader of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), for allowing the ADC delegation’s courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu.
He described the governor’s conduct as an example of political maturity, tolerance and respect for democratic engagement, stressing that political differences should not prevent citizens and political parties from exercising their democratic rights.