I’ll Speak Shortly On 2023 Presidency – Atiku

• Consults IBB, condoles Gov Bello over bandits’ attacks

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Nigeria’s former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar has taken his nationwide political consultations and engagements on the 2023 presidential ambition to the hill-top mansion of former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).

With a promise to speak on his widely-speculated presidential interest at the ‘appropriate time’, the Wazirin Adamawa said consulting and parleying with important stakeholders was still ongoing across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Insiders hinted that given the growing agitation for the South to produce the next president, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain has continued to prioritise garnering a groundswell of support among party elders and faithful which informed the visit where he met behind closed doors with the man, known by many as ‘Maradona’.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections also visited and commiserated with Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and the Niger state people on the recent killings of some residents by bandits.

He told journalists that after the courtesy visit on Governor Bello that it would have been improper to leave the State without paying homage to General Babangida as a former Nigerian leader.

On his presence in Minna, the Niger State capital, Alhaji Atiku said; “I am on a courtesy call. That is all”,  adding; “On the 2023 presidential election, I will let you know at the appropriate time.”

While sympathising with the government over the insecurity bedevilling the state, the Wazirin Adamawa described the occurrences as ‘unfortunate and saddening’, stressing that something urgent and concrete needs to be done to address the disturbing situation.

According to him; “I have just discussed the issue of insecurity with the governor. It is a very pathetic situation. In fact, I got a very vivid picture of what is going on in Niger State from the governor. I mean, it is most unfortunate.”