Buhari's minister endorses Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar for 2019 presidency

shakirudeen taiwo

September 7, 2017 11:29 AM

This may be the formal declaration of the race to Aso Rock in 2019.

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Aisha Alhassan has endorsed Mr Atiku Abubakar, a political opponent of her boss as President in 2019.

The minister made this known during a visit to the former Vice President. In the video of her speech made in Hausa language, she said her support is for the Presidential candidature of Mr Atiku Abubakar. Even if President Buhari is contesting the 2019 General election.

"Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics," she said in Hausa. "And again, Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019."

"Let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019. I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that 'Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister. But Baba just like you know I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. If Atiku said he is going to contest," she said in her local language.

Also, in an interview with the British Broadcasting Commission (BBC) Hausa Service on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, the Minister hinted that she is ready to sacrifice her current job in support of the political quest of Mr Atiku.

"If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is why... "

"Baba is not a mad man like those calling for my sack. They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked," she stated further.

With this, the political preparation for 2019 General election has commenced. Though, many politicians in Nigeria are weighing their chances on whether President Buhari would be contesting or not.

As a result, this declaration by Mrs Alhassan is the first public show of support for a potential candidate in the race for Nigeria’s presidency.

However, Mr Atiku Abubakar has not formally declared his intention to vie for the highest political position in the country. Although, he has been reported to have initiated moves to secure the presidential ticket of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP).

shakirudeen taiwo

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