Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president of Nigeria has declared his bid to become president of Nigeria when elections are held in 2019.
Atiku is seeking to run on the ticket of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party he rejoined earlier this year.
His declaration was during a rally in his home state of Adamawa – located in Nigeria’s northeast. He touched on insecurity and division in Nigeria and rising unemployment as part of his motivation to contest.
“Today, we are witnessing the most insecure atmosphere. More people died under APC than people killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, we are more divided than at any other time in Nigeria’s history.
“Today, we have the highest unemployment rate in the history of this country, more than one million of our youth are unemployed,” Mr Abubakar is quoted to have said.
He left the PDP to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which brought Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015. His support was seen as critical to Buhari’s victory over the then PDP candidate, Goodluck Jonathan.
Nigeria’s political zoning ahead 2019 polls
Given the nature of Nigeria’s politics where presidential candidates are picked from a particular political zone, if Atiku wins the PDP candidature, it will effectively mean that the two major candidates in 2019 will be from the north.
Both parties have an unwritten rule where the presidential ticket oscillates between the north and south. In 2015, the race was between Buhari a northerner and Jonathan a southerner.
Buhari’s biggest headache with months to the elections is, however, in the central belt of the country where clashes between farmers and herdsmen continue to claim lives and properties.
Political watchers say the situation could affect Buhari’s vote in regions that are seen as swing regions.
Latest Stories
-
NFL and IFAF host flag football development clinic in Ghana
17 minutes -
GAF embark on ‘surgical’ anti-galamsey operations across all 3 commands
25 minutes -
K-Pop’s Next Frontier: Africa – How ATEEZ broke barriers just for others to speed ahead
2 hours -
AMA questions Zoomlion fumigation contracts, demands transparency and review
2 hours -
Government initiates comprehensive review of VAT regime – Dr Ato Forson
2 hours -
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson elected Chairman of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development
2 hours -
Gov’t must remain neutral in managing Bawku conflict – Former MP
2 hours -
Let’s take over our sanitation management – MMDAs appeal to government
2 hours -
Samant D’Legend bounces back with ‘Last Straw’ EP
2 hours -
Gospel musician Joseph Matthew marries in colourful wedding ceremony
3 hours -
Equity Health Insurance initiates NHIS Top-Up at Madina Market
3 hours -
Killing of nurse in Yamfo: IGP dispatches PIPS team as part of investigations
3 hours -
Ubuntu Records star Brittany Bola unveils visuals for ‘Reasons’
3 hours -
BRUHM engages communities and expands retail presence in Ghana
3 hours -
Never stop believing in yourself – Jah Manny urges up and coming artistes
3 hours