Atiku declares 2023 presidential bid, vows to save Nigeria

Nigeria’s Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has formally declared his intention to run for the 2023 presidency, TopNaija reports.

The former vice-president declared his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.

Atiku said his interest in contesting the 2023 presidency and his “enduring persistence” is born out of his passion “to rekindle the Nigerian dream that I was privileged to live”.

He said currently, Nigeria is a “sinking ship” that must be rescued urgently. He described Nigeria as a land of possibilities that is in dire need of a visionary leader.

“The 2023 election is not just like the usual elections; it is a referendum to decide whether we want greatness or continuous destruction. It is a choice between two paths: the path of unity and progress or the path of division and backwardness,” Atiku said.

“We need a new kind of leadership that will steer us to a positive path. In 2023, we want a President who has ideas on how to fix Nigeria. We want a president who understands, inspires, and is empathetic.

“I have contested for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria a couple of times in the past. My enduring persistence is borne out of my passion to rekindle the Nigerian dream that I was privileged to live.

“Nigeria is a land of possibility. There is no challenging background that will make any Nigerian give up. I am a living witness to what is possible in Nigeria.

“You and I know that Nigeria is in dire need of visionary leadership. Our fundamental principles and purpose as a nation have never been challenged as it is today. Presently, Nigeria is a sinking ship; it must be rescued urgently. That is why I am happy to announce my candidacy for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“I offer myself to rescue the sinking ship. Under my captainship, this ship will sail to a brighter course by the grace of God. However, this journey is not mine alone. It is a journey I am taking for all Nigerians. It is also a journey to a destination I planned with my late great mentor, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, and with my beloved compatriot, the late, and great, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. May their souls rest in peace.”

Atiku Abubakar also constituted a 324-man committee. The committee is expected to fashion out modalities for the event scheduled to hold on Wednesday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The committee further has subgroups including Medical, Secretariat, Special Duties, Contact and Mobilisation, Logistics and Transportation, Protocol, Security and Intelligence, Media and Publicity, Programmes, Entertainment and Welfare, as well as Venue.

Atiku recently obtained the N40m Presidential form of the Peoples Democratic Party, adding that the form was procured for him by northern businessmen under the aegis of the North East Business Community. This would be Atiku’s sixth shot at the Presidency having contested in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.

Northern politicians who have shown interest in getting the PDP’s 2023 presidential ticket include Atiku; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.