Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said that his priority is building a better Nigeria rather than pursuing the presidency at all costs.
Atiku made this known on Saturday at a ceremony in Lagos where prominent members of the PDP and Labour Party formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He was represented at the event by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo.
According to him, the ADC represents more than just a political platform but a movement for national renewal.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It’s not about him being president at all costs. It’s about ensuring good governance that delivers for Nigerians,” Olateju said on his behalf.
He stressed that Atiku and his allies left the PDP to align with like-minded Nigerians committed to repositioning the country.
“This is not politics as usual. It is a new beginning, a journey to create a Nigeria that works for everyone,” he added.
Commenting on the economic challenges faced by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy, Atiku expressed optimism that with effective leadership, the country could overcome hardship and become prosperous.
On the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket, he said the choice of flagbearer would be determined through a free and fair process, emphasizing that no individual would be imposed on the party.
“The focus is not on Atiku or Obi being president at all costs. Whoever emerges will represent the collective aspirations of Nigerians,” he noted.
Some of the defectors at the event included PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd); PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader, Mr. Tai Benedict.
They were formally received into the ADC by top party leaders such as National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and Lagos State ADC Chairman, George Ashiru.
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