Atiku Abubakar, Former Nigerian Vice President, and candidate in the last 2023 presidential election, has strongly denied allegations of betrayal made against him by his former political ally, Bola Tinubu. Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja, Atiku addressed the accusations and clarified the history of their political relationship.
Atiku’s Speech
“I disagree with Tinubu, yes it’s true that we came together in 2007. In Lagos, at the convention, I emerged winner and got the party’s ticket. After I got the ticket, he sent me about five or six senior party men, and they met me and said Bola (Tinubu) wanted to be my running mate.”
“I said, gentlemen, you are all old enough, and asked, what would be your reaction to having a Muslim-Muslim ticket?”
“They all answered that they objected to it, I then told them they should have told him, and that was the end of the political relationship; he (Tinubu) broke away and supported Umaru Yar’Adua. So what is the ground for him to say I betrayed him?”
“In 2003, the PDP took over all the southwestern states with the exception of Lagos. I stood between Obasanjo and Tinubu and told Obasanjo to leave Lagos, and he left it. I vehemently deny that I stabbed Tinubu in the back.”
Atiku on Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, emphasized his commitment to a diverse and inclusive government. He firmly rejected the notion of a Muslim-Muslim ticket and stressed the importance of reflecting Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature in its leadership.
Atiku’s Statement: “Till today, I won’t do a Muslim-Muslim ticket; I don’t have to be president; we are a multi-ethnic and multi-religious people, and our government must reflect our diversity, and our composition must reflect the same.”
Subtitle 3: A Quest for Accountability and Justice Atiku’s press conference went beyond addressing personal allegations. He called upon all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to join him in a campaign for accountability, truth, morality, justice, and uprightness in Nigerian politics.
Atiku’s Appeal to Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Leaders of All Political Parties
“This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar; it’s a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality, justice, and accountability in our public affairs. In line with this, let me call on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, religious, traditional, community, and political leaders.”
“In particular, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP, leaders of political parties in Nigeria, and every single person who loves this country as I do, and who wishes nothing but the best for this country to join me in this campaign to enshrine accountability, and the basic principles of justice, morality, and uprightness in our country and in our government.”
Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar’s press conference not only served to address the allegations made against him but also highlighted his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in Nigerian politics. His call for a united effort to uphold accountability and justice in public affairs signals a potential shift towards a more transparent and ethical political landscape in Nigeria. As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how this call for accountability will shape the country’s future.
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