By Atim Philip
Regardless of the confusion that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is currently embroiled, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, formally threw his hat into the ring as he officially declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential vote.
He told the capacity crowd of party bigwigs and supporters that converged on the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue of the groundbreaking event, that he had all it takes to return Nigeria to winning ways.
Predictably, Atiku, who was accompanied to the event by his first wife, Chief Mrs. Titin Abubakar, premised his policy direction on the tripod of security, economy and good governance.
Wednesday’s declaration came just seven days to the two-week deadline given to the PDP zoning committee to make recommendations concerning the zoning of the various elective positions among the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The countdown to the crucial elections has gradually begun with the two major parties, the PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, make frenetic moves to get their electioneering machines to flying start.
Atiku has run for President five times in the past. If he succeeds in clinching the PDP ticket for the 2023 presidential poll, that would make his sixth attempt.
Speaking at Wednesday’s event, the former Vice President declared: “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 Armada, and with my beloved compatriot, the late, and great, Chief MOs hood Kashia Olawale Fabiola. May their souls rest in peace.”
Decrying the state of security in Nigeria, Atiku said: “The APC administration has failed in its fundamental responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians. The most significant human right is the right to life, which has not been protected under the APC administration.
“Our military forces are fighting on the front lines without equipment and morale. That is not fair. If we get into power, we will increase the welfare of all security forces. We will use modern technology and intelligence to combat insecurity. We will also increase the number of personnel for our security agencies.
“Why security? Because national security is the first sign of a functional government, and where it does not exist, we must not blame those who threaten it. We can only blame a government that allows it to be threatened. And if I am elected as your President, insecurity is one thing I will not tolerate.”
Still, Atiku wasn’t done. He said: “The most fundamental right of every Nigerian is the right to life. But the APC has failed to protect the life of her citizens… under my Presidency I will not tolerate insecurity.
“They said we should go back to farms. How can Nigerians return to the farms when you have not secured the farms?
“When the APC came in 2015, they met a debt profile of N12 trillion. But now we have more than N32 trillion in debt. Under my watch, I will reduce borrowing.”
He then reiterated the focus of his administration, should he win his party’s ticket and get elected, as spanning five priority areas: unity among Nigerians, security of life and property, economy, education and devolution of more powers to the nation’s federating units.
“Under my Presidency I will focus on five key areas; unity, security, economy, education and devolving more powers to the federating units,” promised. “I am the unifier that is coming to bind the broken union. Under my Presidency there will be a new Nigerian where everybody has an equal voice and is heard.”
Also speaking at the event, the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Finitary, said an Atiku Presidency would unite and secure the country, salvage the economy, and create jobs for Nigerians.
“Atiku Abubakar represents a special treasure to Nigeria,” Fintiri declared. “His commitment, his unity, his growth and development of Nigeria is a sign of his patriotic aspiration. He is probably the most experienced person in the race at the moment not only in our party, the PDP but in the country.
“He is well prepared to lead Nigeria at his most demanding moment. He has created wealth and provided jobs as a politician. His democratic credentials are unequalled. He is a good mentor and a leader and the best candidate that can defeat the APC and win the election for our great Party.
“He is the President that will unite and secure the country, salvage the economy and create jobs for our citizens. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, let’s go for him.”
- More to come: Faces at Atiku’s Formal Declaration