The All Progressives Congress (APC) remains strong and capable of fulfilling the Nigeria’s thirst for change, regardless of the loud and lavish political propaganda, deceit, official impunity and unjust applications of powers of patronage and sanctions by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administrations, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has said.
He maintained that spite the many challenges Nigerians face, it is quite remarkable that they have refused to give up on the country, saying it is inspiring that amidst difficulties and growing anxiety over the future of the country, it citizens have refused to succumb to despair and hopelessness.
Atiku made the statements at the formal declaration of his intention to contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.
Welcoming his teeming supporters and promising not to fail them in a speech titled “Time for Change”; Atiku said he was truly honoured that people could attend the event despite the security and healthcare challenges facing the country.
“We are all here because we believe that our country can be made better. We want to see Nigeria develop, prosper and become the pride of Africa and the Black race. We are here because we know that change must come and that change will come because of you,” he said.
He commented on APC’s newly adopted system of conducting primary elections, saying it is a mark of true transparency.
“I am particularly proud that our party has adopted the innovative Modified Open Primaries in selecting its flag bearers at all levels. This will ensure the emergence of candidates whose mandate will be informed by the popular will of the members of our party,” Atiku said.
“Some people have argued for a generational shift to younger leaders without much experience. However, I believe that it is the responsibility of my generation to offer our political shoulders to the new generation to climb upon, improve their vision and expand their horizon.
“It is this trans-generational collaboration and partnership that represents the best model to create the future that we desire and deserve. This is a well-tested model; the future of this nation should never again be subjected to leadership experimentation or learning on the job.”
He recounted the story of his life and stated that his experience while growing up has taught him in practical terms what it means to grow up without help and without a father. He noted the struggles in his youthful days and how this helps him to understand the challenges being faced by many young Nigerians.
The three-time presidential aspirant talked about his achievement while serving as the country’s vice president, saying the achievements foreshadows what he would deliver to Nigerians if he becomes the president.
“In the 20 years that I spent in the Nigerian public service, I built a solid reputation for myself as a diligent, honest, hardworking and innovative staff,” hr said. “I retired as an accomplished and fulfilled public servant. That is what every Nigerian who had diligently served this country deserves and not dehumanization, humiliation and neglect.”
He lamented relocation of several manufacturing companies to neighbouring countries while those that remain operate at far below their installed capacity due mainly to poor infrastructure, saying the sad development is responsible for the high rate of unemployment in the country.
He promised that if he and his party, APC are given the support he requires to become the next president of the country, he would make sure all the dead business links and infrastructures are returned to the country.
He said: “With the support of the millions of Nigerians desirous of change and the hard work by all of us, the APC shall form the next government of this great nation.
“I have, therefore, decided that I will, along with other respected leaders of our party, seek nomination as a candidate of the APC to contest the Presidential election of 2015.
“I want to lead a government that will invest in its people because people constitute the wealth of any nation. I want to lead a government that will create “A Nigeria for All”. A Nigeria that is not about North or South, Christian or Muslim, but about a better tomorrow where every citizen will feel secure, act with patriotism, having assurance of the fulfilment of his or her aspirations.
“I want to lead a government that will rebuild the institutions of governance with zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, where hard work and dedication are adequately rewarded.
“I want to assemble the best brains in the land and provide the political will and commitment so that jointly, and with the cooperation of all of you, build a Nigeria of our dreams.
“Nigeria must rise to retake its leadership place in Africa and earn the respect of other nations. This places on us the responsibility of stewardship. It is the consciousness of this national responsibility that has guided my political adventures; and it is this call to serve that I have come to answer once again.
“Nigeria must and will be great. With your support and prayers, we will change this country for good. We will create a country that will truly be the pride of the black race. We will create a new Nigeria for all Nigerians.”