Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar has officially declared his intention to contest for the 2023 presidency under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku Declares To Run For President 2023
The ex-vice president declared his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
According to him, his leadership would focus on five key areas including the unity of Nigeria, security, economy, education and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units.
Atiku said, “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.
“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, who is taking a third shot at the presidency, said if he wins, Nigeria “will operate a liberal economy that allows small businesses to grow through lower taxes for small businesses and low-income earners.”
“Under my presidency, I want to focus on five key areas: the unity of Nigeria, security, economy, education and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units.”
“I have never been this optimistic, and with your support and God’s grace, we will get to the promised land.”
Atiku, who noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed in its responsibility to protect the lives of its citizens, said he would use modern technology and intelligence to fight insecurity, and also improve the welfare of the security forces.
He 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.”
Describing himself as “a unifier that has come to bond the broken union”, he said if elected, he would open dialogue for disgruntled Nigerians to air their grievances, and that everybody will be treated equally.
“Since the civil war, the unity of Nigeria has never been threatened as it is today. Nigerians are losing hope in the oneness of this country. My fellow Nigerians, I am the unifier that is coming to bond the broken union.
“We will open doors for dialogue to hear the grieving voices of all Nigerians. Under my presidency, there will be a new Nigeria, where everybody has an equal voice and is heard.
“Throughout my life, I have never looked at Nigerians as divided people. In my eyes, all Nigerians are the same. When I see you, I don’t see Yoruba or Hausa or Igbo or Fulani or a northerner or southerner; when I see you, I only see a Nigerian, and I expect the best from you.
“All Nigerians are equal and should be seen and treated equally. There is no unity without justice and fairness. That is why I will deliver leadership of justice and fairness.”
KanyiDaily recalls that Atiku Abubakar recently dismissed insinuations that he was working against the policy of the PDP to zone its Presidential ticket to the South-East.
