I’m not desperate to be president, says Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he is not desperate to be president.

Atiku, a presidential aspirant in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who noted that he would not leave the party even if he lost the primaries, said he would have become president in 2003 if he were desperate.

Addressing reporters after meeting Benin monarch Oba Ewuare II, as part of his nationwide consultation tour, Atiku said he stepped down for the late MKO Abiola because of the country’s interest.

He said: “What do you expect my critics to say? I can run as many times as I want. I am fit and qualified and I still have ideas to put this country in the right path. What is wrong in trying again and again?

“I am not desperate to become president. If I were desperate, I would have taken the presidency in 2003. If I were desperate, I would not have stepped down for Abiola. I have the interest of this country at heart.”

Oba Ewuare II said he would pray to God and his ancestors for the emergence of leaders, who would cater for the poor.

He urged politicians to tackle insecurity, saying Nigeria would remain underdeveloped if security matters were not prioritised.

The monarch, who spoke when Atiku visited his palace, said Nigeria would remain indivisible despite the security challenges.

A woman, Grace Osagie, collapsed at the Benin Airport while waiting for the arrival of Atiku.

The woman slumped while standing in the sun alongside other PDP supporters to give Atiku a rousing welcome.

Sympathisers poured water on her to revive her.

Atiku later met Edo PDP delegates at the party secretariat.