By Akinwale Kasali
Atiku Abubakar, former Peoples Democratic Party, Presidential Candidate, now member of African Democratic Congress, ADC, has debunked claims from certain quarters that he is desperate to be Nigeria’s President.
The former Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Government, said he is more interested in a better Nigeria than being President.
The Adamawa State born Politician said this while speaking at an affirmation ceremony for new defectors to the ADC on Saturday, in Lagos.
Some bigwigs in the PDP and Labour Party, LP, party jumped ship, pledging alliance to the ADC.
Abubakar, who was the Guest Speaker at the programme, but was represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, stated that the growth, development and progress of the nation is what is germane to him, rather than becoming President.
It would be recalled that Atiku had left the PDP for ADC, with some like-minded opposition politicians, recently resigned his membership of the party to join ADC.
“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,” Olateju spoke on behalf of Abubakar.
Atiku further stated that the movement to ADC was for repositioning the country and taking it to great heights.
“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,” he added.
He further claimed that Nigerians were facing challenges with the removal of fuel subsidy and attendant inflation, Abubakar said that a better Nigeria was possible with good leadership.
He said that God was ready to use the coalition members to bring about a change in the country.
Speaking on who would likely emerge as the ADC Presidential flagbearer in 2027, Abubakar said that this would be determined by the people in the party.
“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,” he added.
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