Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said defeating President
Muhammadu Buhari will be a cakewalk for him if the president runs against
him in 2019.
Mr. Abubakar said Mr. Buhari has become politically weak after squandering
the goodwill Nigerians accorded him during the 2015 elections.
“I will definitely beat him this time. He has wasted a lot of his massive
goodwill,” Mr. Abubakar said.
The former vice-president was interviewed by Dele Momodu for his column
which was published Saturday in The Boss Newspaper he publishes.
He said many associates of Mr. Buhari are furious, but they are silent
about their disapproval of the president, and are waiting for the right
time to strike back.
“A lot of people are disgruntled but keeping quiet and lying low,” Mr.
Abubakar said. “Our youths are suffering terribly and now they are being
sold into slavery.”
“Everyone knows my track record of inviting and attracting a good team and
giving them the opportunity to work professionally. Nigerians are tired of
leaders who cannot think big and work big,” he added.
Mr. Abubakar said he would be ready from day one should Nigerians elect
him president in 2019.
Mr. Abubakar, vice-president from 1999-2007, dumped the ruling All
Progressives Congress last week Friday, citing alleged failure by the
Buhari administration to improve the quality of life in the country and
neglect of the youth in federal cabinet appointment.
His political allies have indicated that Mr. Abubakar was on his way to
the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, which has opened its doors to
him.