Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday picked the N27million presidential and expression of interest form to contest the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead the country’s general elections but asked for equal treatment for all aspirants.
Since a section of the press has been awash with a subtle endorsement report of an aspirant, Atiku used the opportunity to demand from the party leaders to ensure a level playing ground for all the presidential aspirants before and during the primaries.
The national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in his remarks noted that Atiku was the first to formally declare his intention to contest the presidential ticket and also happens to be the first to pick the nomination ticket while others are yet to declare.
Atiku said, “Mr. Chairman, I need not let you know my political antecedents as far as the provision of a level playing field for every member of this party because that is the only thing or one of the things that will make us different from the so called ruling party.
“Anybody who believes he has a democratic right to exercise should be given that opportunity to exercise that right. It is left to the members of this party and the Nigerian public to make a decision. I don’t think it is the responsibility of any one of us as an individual or group to decide for this party or its membership. Yes, as leaders, we have a responsibility to guide those coming behind but the guidance should be based on this firmly rooted democratic principles.
“Mr. Chairman, therefore, it is my singular honour and privilege to hand over to you or your representative two receipts: one, presidential expression of interest and the second one, presidential nomination form all totaling N27.5m and I believe I am now entitled to receive my forms and then go on to the next stage.”
Source: Leadership
