Atiku set to declare for presidency

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, is likely to declare his intention to contest the 2019 presidency in June.

Atiku had in December formally returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the All Progressives Congress.

A close associate of the PDP chieftain told our reporter that the formal declaration slated in the third week of June, will hold in Abuja.

While noting that Atiku has been impressed with the outcome of his ongoing nationwide consultation, he added that a formal declaration would officially kickstart his campaign.

He said: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will declare his intention to run for the office of the President in the second or third week of next month (June) having gone round the country with his message of salvation for a nation at cross road.

“Leaders of thought and national statesmen are behind him but it is too early in the day to speak on what he is bringing to the table.

“He was at the Chatham House in April and that led to the postponement of the big event (the declaration).

“You will agree with me that he needs a nod of approval of the delegates first and I can say without mincing words that the Wazirin Adamawa is more than prepared to make himself available for credible, free and fair primaries where the party will pick its Presidential candidate.”