Formee Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a says he is more interested in a better Nigeria than being president.
Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, spoke on Saturday during an affirmation ceremony for new defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Abubakar, the guest speaker at the event, was represented by Ola Olateju, a lecturer at the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state.
The former vice-president said he is very eager for a better, secure and prosperous country.
“Atiku Abubakar ‘s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president,’ Olateju said.
“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 must 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.”
He said the coalition of politicians in the ADC is for repositioning of 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,” he added.
“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 there 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.”
Abubakar said a better Nigeria is possible with good leadership, noting that Nigerians are facing challenges with the removal of fuel subsidy and attendant inflation.
He said God is ready to use the coalition members to bring about a change in the country.
Reacting to controversies on who would likely emerge the ADC presidential flagbearer in 2027, Abubakar said it would be determined by the people in the party.
“It is not a thing we can pre-determine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support,” he said.
“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 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.”
The NAN reports that the defectors include Abimbola Ogunkelu, PDP board of trustees member, Muritala Ashorobi, a former chairman of Lagos PDP, and Tunji Shelle, PDP vice-chairman (Lagos central), and Tai Benedict, a former PDP youth leader, among others.
They were received by ADC national chieftains, including the national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; Kolawole Ogunwale and Mr George Ashiru, the state ADC chairman.
