In furtherance of his consultations over his presidential ambition, ex-Vice President and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has visited former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida in his Uphill residence, Minna, Niger State.
Though the purpose of the meeting which lasted for about one hour was kept in wraps by both sides, it was learnt that the visit was part of the ongoing consultations by Abubakar over his ambition.
His visit came a few weeks after the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also visited Babangida, to “get his blessing” for his presidential bid.
Abubakar who is yet to make a formal declaration had aspired twice for the topmost office on the same PDP platform but failed.
After the visit, his train moved from the Hilltop drove to Government House on another visit to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.
In a brief interview with Journalists after the visit, the former Vice President said he was in the Government House to pay a sympathy visit to the Governor over the incessant insecurity situation confronting the state, especially in the past few months.
He said: “I only came on a courtesy visit to the Governor and to commiserate with him and people of the state over the incessant Banditry in Niger state.
“I just discussed with the Governor on the insecurity in the state and from what I heard, it is a very serious and pathetic situation and it is most unfortunate.”
When asked about his Presidential ambition, he said he would make it known when the time comes.
“I have only come on a visit. I will let you know about my Presidential ambition at the appropriate time,” he declared.
Condoling with the government over the insecurity in the state, Abubakar described it as unfortunate and saddening.
He stressed that something should be done to address the situation.
“I have just discussed the issue of insecurity with the governor. It is a very pathetic situation. In fact, I got a very vivid picture of what is going on in Niger State from the governor. I mean, it is most unfortunate,” Atiku said.
