Saraki to declare presidential ambition next week

Former Kwara state governor and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said in Ilorin on Sunday that he would declare his presidential ambition next week following rumours of his intention to contest Nigeria’s highest office.

Saraki stated that his decision to make public his ambition stems from calls for him to join the APC presidential race, adding that, the support he has received from the people even though he was yet to make known his plan was overwhelming.

Saraki, who is presently representing Kwara Central in the Senate will go head-tohead with former Nigerian vice president Atiku Abubakar and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), both of whom have declared their intentions to run.

Addressing newsmen at his Iloffa residence in Ilorin, Saraki said in spite of a number of politicians seeking the APC’s presidential ticket, the party will not disintegrate, noting that, others would rally round whoever emerges as the party’s flag-bearer.

He said the birth of the APC as a strongest opposition in the country, was as a result of collective sacrifice by all stakeholders. The two-time governor noted that the 2015 poll is about Nigeria, which requires everyone, devoid of party affiliations, to contribute.

Saraki, who admitted that the country was not moving in the right direction, said personal ambition by politicians cannot be equated with the oneness of the nation.

Saraki blamed the opposition for striving to undermine the APC over what becomes of the party after its presidential primary, stating that all aspirants have resolved to work together for the progress of the party irrespective of who emerges as the party’s presidential candidate.