March 23, (THEWILL) – Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has officially declared his intention to run for president in 2023.
The formal declaration, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Abuja, witnessed bigwigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other supporters of the Waziri of Adamawa.
Among the dignitaries at the declaration event were former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, and Chief Tom Ikimi, among others.
Other associates present at the ceremony included Senator Dino Melaye, Ambassador Roland Omowa and Josephine Anenih.
In his formal declaration, Atiku said that if elected, his administration will focus on 5 key areas, including unity, security, economy, education and devolving more resources to federating units.
He stated that he has no doubt in his mind that Nigerians can achieve electoral victory, citing “we have done it in 1993 and we can do it in 2023.”
“We must stand firm and get our PVCs, come out en masse and protect votes against manipulations
“I have contested for the presidency twice, my persistence is borne out of a passion to rekindle the Nigerian dream I was privileged to live.
“Nigeria is a land of possibilities. I am a living witness to what is possible in Nigeria,” he said, highlighting being an 11-year-old orphan and ending up as a vice president.
“A Nigeria where opportunities abound is not possible without credible leadership,” he urged, adding that Nigeria is in dire need of visionary leadership.
“Nigeria is in a sinking ship, and must be rescued. And that is why I am announcing my candidacy for 2023, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party”, he declared.
The former Vice-president added that Nigerians must bid farewell to poverty by understanding our differences, adding that his Presidency will focus on 5 key areas – unity, security, economy, education and devolving more resources to federating units.
Atiku said that Nigeria’s unity has never been threatened as it is today since the civil war and that he plans to open the door for dialogue to hear the grieving voices of Nigerians.
“Everyone will have an equal voice and be heard. APC has failed in the fundamental responsibility of protecting life of Nigerians. Most significant responsibility is right to life which has not been protected”, he added.
In his address Governor Fintiri told the crowd that Atiku Abubakar represents a special treasure to Nigeria, adding that “He is probably the most experienced person in the presidential race at the moment not only in our party, the PDP but in the country.”
He said Atiku’s lack of victory over the years, might have been for a purpose like this moment, “like 2023 when Nigeria will be led by a person of his capacity, acumen and pedigree to lead the country after colossal damage meted on it by the fallen APC.”
Fintiri said, “Atiku Abubakar is well prepared to lead Nigeria at his most demanding moment. He built a world-class university in the heart of the most educationally disadvantaged region in Nigeria. He has created wealth and provided jobs as a politician. His democratic credential is unequalled. He is the President that will unite and secure the country, salvage the economy and create jobs for our citizens.”
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