Atiku declares 2015 presidential bid September 24

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 67, will on September 24 formally declare his intention to contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Garba Shehu, his media adviser, in a statement in Abuja on Friday said Atiku’s campaign will be anchored by a former minister, Babalola Borishade.

“Borishade is also a well-known political strategist who worked for the victory of the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and thereafter, the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“Borisade also worked as the strategist for President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and 2003 elections, both of which were won resoundingly.

“This is not about me; it is about our young people. It is about Nigerians. It is their future, not the past.

“It is about reforming government, securing the people and reconciling the nation,” the statement said.

“Turaki is of the view that 2015 is special and a potential turning point in Nigeria’s history.

“We need to seize the moment; to give every Nigerian a chance to help redefine Nigeria as a place for them and their children to prosper and feel safe,” the statement quoted Atiku as saying.

Abubakar made two unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 2007 and 2011.