Nigeria’s former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has said that he is not “desperate to be President” but more concerned about seeing Nigeria become a secure prosperous nation.
The former Vice President who was also the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections spoke through a representative in Lagos on Saturday at a ceremony organised to welcome new members and defectors to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Mr. Ola Olateju of the Archivers University, Owo, Ondo State who spoke on behalf of the former Vice President reiterated that, “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a better government, a good government, that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.
“It’s not a personal thing for him, and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku having to be president at all costs.
“ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of Nigerians for a better Nigeria,”
Speaking of the strategy of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections, he said that, “It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning. It is a new journey, a new beginning
“We need a new beginning in Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing
It’s not about a personal thing that he must be president. No, it is not a matter of must.
“The must is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We are expecting a better Nigeria.
“We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians.”
Dispelling speculations about the a perceived rift between the major contenders in the opposition, Atiku maintained “It is not a thing we can predetermine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.
“Everybody has a right to contest; we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.
“The point is a better Nigeria, not Atiku for president at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs
Whoever picks the ticket shall be the representative of the Nigerian people and will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria.”
Prominent politicians in Lagos State that defected from both the PDP nad the Labour Party (LP) include, PDP Board of Trustee member Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu, former chairmen of Lagos PDP, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and a former PDP Youth Leader, Mr. Tai Benedict.
The defectors were received by ADC national chieftains, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Sen. Kolawole Ogunwale; and Mr. George Ashiru, the Lagos State ADC Chairman.
