Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, has made it clear that he stopped former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo from running for a third term because of his close relationship with members of the National Assembly while he was vice president.
He stated that the relationship enabled him and some NASS members to halt Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. He also stated that he was eager to rekindle the relationship with the NASS candidates following Obasanjo’s election as president and their own victory.
Atiku said that this would help them work better and make democracy stronger.
The remarks were made by the PDP presidential candidate at the National Assembly candidates’ strategic engagement meeting with the 2023 Presidential Campaign Organization on Sunday night in Abuja.
He stated, “During my tenure as vice president, I developed a very intimate relationship with members of the National Assembly, and it was that relationship that enabled us to stop President Obasanjo’s attempt to run for a third term or a life presidency.”
“I really look forward to re-engaging you as you return to the National Assembly for your constitutional duties and to further deepen democracy development and our nation’s progress,” the president said.
The former vice president lamented the current economic and security conditions, stating, “Our nation has found itself in one of the most challenging times in the history of this country.” Due to the actions and policies of the APC government at this time, we are more divided than ever. Additionally, our economy is in disarray, and our security situation has worsened.
He said, “We must work together to take the country out of its present predicament and malaise.” He said that the problems the people and the executive branch had were so big that “we must work together.”
After the meeting ended in a private session, they made a promise to Nigerians to cut down on the cost of government by increasing citizen oversight, reducing waste, and cutting costs.