Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has revealed that his close ties with National Assembly members during his tenure as Nigeria’s vice-president was instrumental in thwarting former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s bid for a third term.
He expressed his desire to reignite this relationship with National Assembly candidates after his own election as president and their successful election, which would enable them to work more effectively and deepen democracy.
Speaking at the 2023 Presidential Campaign Organisation Strategic Engagement Meeting with National Assembly candidates in Abuja on Sunday night, Atiku noted that Nigeria is currently facing one of the most challenging times in its history, with a deeply divided population, worsening security situation, and a struggling economy, all due to the policies and activities of the current APC government.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government to address these challenges and pull the country out of its present predicament and malaise.
During the private session that followed the meeting, the participants resolved to reduce the cost of governance by improving citizens’ oversight and implementing measures to curb waste and reduce expenses.
