Despite the recommendation of two consensus aspirants by Northern Elders Forum (NEF), ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said there is no going back on his decision to vie for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku, who is currently performing lesser Hajj, said he was not part of the consensus arrangement.
He also said his candidature is all about what is good for Nigeria and not any section of the country.
According to a spokesman in the Atiku Campaign Organization, Mr. Paul Ibe, the ex-Vice President was focused on the PDP presidential primaries.
He said: “Atiku was not part of the consensus arrangement by some presidential aspirants. He is not bound by any agreement on consensus.
“In Atiku Abubakar’s own words during his declaration for 2023 presidential election: ‘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.”
“So, his focus is on a good Nigeria and no other thing.
“He is not withdrawing for anybody. He is presently on Umrah (lesser Hajj) but his campaign structure is intact. He is set for PDP presidential primaries.”
Some Northern leaders and presidential aspirants in the party, led by Prof. Ango Abdullahi had shortlisted a former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Governor Bala Mohammed as consensus presidential aspirants from the region
Abdullahi said his committee had the mandate of ex-President Ibrahim Babangida to lead the process for a consensus.
He said PDP presidential aspirants from the North agreed to abide by the outcome of the decision.
He said: ”While thanking the aspirants and President Ibrahim Babangida for entrusting us with the conduct of this exercise and in the hope that all parties involved would continue with mutual consultations aimed at the overall success of the party, we hereby present the following conclusion as presented to and endorsed by Gen Babangida.”
“For the purpose of this exercise, it is hereby resolved that Governor Bala Mohammad from the North East and former Senate President Bukola Saraki from the North Central be presented as the northern Consensus candidates for the moment.”
The Nation
