Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, spoke on Tuesday to clarify that he and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, were not pursuing the presidency due to a desperate need for power, but rather with the intention of bringing the nation together, tackling crime, and safeguarding the economy from total collapse.
He expressed this sentiment during the endorsement ceremony by the Council of National Students Presidents of Nigeria (CNSPN).
Yakubu Dogara, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke on behalf of Atiku, highlighting the former Vice President's commitment to promoting unity, security, and economic growth.
Atiku's speech was aimed at dispelling the notion that his presidential aspirations were driven by personal ambition, but rather a desire to serve the nation and its citizens.
The CNSPN comprises several prominent student organizations, including the National Association of University Students, the Post-Graduate Students Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Polytechnic Students, and the National Association of Colleges of Agriculture Students.
Their endorsement of Atiku Abubakar and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is a significant gesture of support from Nigeria's youth, whose voices are critical in shaping the nation's future.
Atiku's remarks at the CNSPN endorsement ceremony were a powerful affirmation of his commitment to bringing positive change to Nigeria.
His focus on unity, security, and economic growth aligned with the priorities of many Nigerians, especially its youth.
The CNSPN's endorsement of Atiku and Okowa underscored the importance of the youth vote in Nigeria's presidential election and highlighted the need for leaders who are genuinely committed to the nation's prosperity.
Dogara said, “They (Atiku and Okowa) asked me to come and appreciate you for the faith you have in them and to remind you that they are not running because they are hungry for political offices.
“They are running because they believe they have been tried and tested and proven that what is delivered in their hands does not shake and the destiny of this country will become steadied and stabilised.
“They are more determined, seeing that Nigeria has been left behind, they will ensure that they deliver on their promises to this great country.”
Dogara praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his policy on redesigning the naira, saying that it would stop people from buying votes and make elections more trustworthy.
“Whatever pains we are passing through in relation to the naira redesign policy, I urge that you consider this pain as part of the sacrifice that will give us a transparent election in which we will elect a leader that we deserve,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of CNSPN, Obaji Marshal, said that the group had looked at the PDP’s plan for the country and was convinced it was good.
He said, “The CNSPN has taken her time to follow all the frontline candidates closely, gone through their policy working documents (manifestos) and after keen scrutiny, the CNSPN has come to the conclusion that the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party, which carries the Atiku/Okowa tickets is the most reliable, realisable.”