Former President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has formally declared his interest to run as President on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Saraki had moved round the country in a bid to rally support for his aspiration.
He made the declaration at a breakfast with media and friends on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Bukola Saraki will be slugging it out at the PDP primaries with heavyweights like former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, amongst others.
Speaking at the breakfast event, Saraki described himself as a unique asset considering his portfolio of experience at both the executive and legislative levels.
“I CAN DO IT! My portfolio of experience at the executive level, and at the highest legislative institution of our country, makes me a unique asset in democratic leadership at a time that calls for consensus building, for cooperation and for compromise.
“I KNOW how business works. I KNOW how government functions. And I KNOW how the legislature operates. This diverse experience stands me out. And I will bring the experience to bear in getting the most critical constituencies behind the tough decisions that we must take if Nigeria must survive,” he said.
Saraki also boasted of representing a diverse, inclusive and true Nigerian identity.
“I will be President for all because I represent a Nigerian identity that is truly diverse, truly inclusive and truly Nigerian. I WILL BE THE BRIDGE BETWEEN THE YOUNG AND THE OLD. I WILL BE THE BRIDGE BETWEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR. I WILL BE THE BRIDGE BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS. I WILL BE THE BRIDGE BETWEEN NORTH AND THE SOUTH. BECAUSE I AM THE NIGERIAN FOR ALL NIGERIANS!”
