By Abiola Olawale
A former Nigerian Vice President, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has declared that he wants to build a new Nigeria with massive opportunities for all Nigerians.
This is as Atiku emphasized that his commitment to democratic principles is beyond his personal ambition.
The former Vice President made this known while speaking at an affirmation ceremony for new defectors in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday in Lagos.
Clarifying speculations, Atiku, who ran as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, stressed that his political journey is driven by a desire to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including economic instability, insecurity, and youth unemployment.
He said: “Atiku Abubakar plans 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.
He said that the movement in 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.
On who would likely emerge as the ADC presidential flagbearer in 2027, Atiku 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 who 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.
