Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has explained his perennial crave to be president of Nigeria.
According to him, it is a burning passion to deploy his experience and acumen to fix the seemingly intractable problems facing Nigeria.
“I have been asked why I am always seeking to become the president of this country. My passion for governance is that of a man who wants to do more, because there is so much more to be done in fixing Nigeria,” he said.
Atiku spoke on Wednesday, in Abuja while formally declaring his intention to contest the presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the party’s primaries.
He further said, “This passion continues to grow as long as this government is not really doing the fixing. I have what it takes to bring people together and turn things around for the better. Therefore, I want to play a leading role in the trans-generational efforts to save this country and improve the lives of our people.”
The Adamawa-born politician, who is reputed for his organization skills, also promised to use his position, if elected as the president, to deliver a new Nigeria for all citizens.
He said, “With the support of the millions of Nigerians desirous of change and the hard work by all of us, the APC shall form the next government of this great nation.
“I have, therefore, decided that I will, along with other respected leaders of our party, seek nomination as a candidate of the APC to contest the presidential election of 2015.
“I want to lead a government that will invest in its people, because people constitute the wealth of any nation. I want to lead a government that will create ‘A Nigeria for All’. A Nigeria that is not about North or South, Christian or Muslim, but about a better tomorrow, where every citizen will feel secured, act with patriotism, having assurance of the fulfilment of his or her aspirations.
“I want to lead a government that will rebuild the institutions of governance with zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, where hard work and dedication are adequately rewarded.
“I want to assemble the best brains in the land and provide the political will and commitment so that jointly, and with the cooperation of all of you, we shall build a Nigeria of our dreams.
“This is the change we want and deserve and this is the change the APC is primed to offer. And that is why I am a proud member of this platform for change.”
Pundits believe that Atiku’s political mobilization skills would make a candidate to beat in the coming APC primaries if the party overlords allow an even playing field.