2019: Atiku’s Reaction After Obasanjo Called Him ‘President-to-be’
Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to his endorsement for the 2019 presidency by his former boss and erstwhile president, Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a turn of events on Thursday, Obasanjo, who had sworn severally not to ever endorse Atiku for president, however had a change of heart after receiving some stakeholders comprising of religious leaders and social political groups, at his Ota residence in Ogun State.
Advertisement
Among those who accompanied Atiku to beg Obasanjo to support his 2019 presidential ambition include the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, popular Islamic scholar, Abubakar Gumi, the leadership of the Afenifere socio-political group and some prominent politicians amongst others.
Reacting to the development via his verified Facebook page, Atiku said: “It was exciting meeting with my former boss and having lunch with him in Abeokuta.” Meanwhile, Obasanjo said in a press statement after meeting receiving his former vice that he has wholeheartedly forgiven him.
The former president said, “Let me start by congratulating President-to-be, Atiku Abubakar, for his success at the recent PDP Primary and I took note of his gracious remarks in his acceptance speech that it all started here.”
Obasanjo went on to say, “From what transpired in the last couple of hours or so, you have shown remorse; you have asked for forgiveness and you have indicated that you have learnt some good lessons and you will mend fences and make amends as necessary and as desirable.”
Advertisement
He said, “Whenever or wherever you might have offended me, as a Christian who asks for God’s forgiveness of my sins and inadequacies on daily basis, I forgive and I sincerely advise you to learn from the past and do what is right and it will be well with you. Obviously, you have mended fences with the Party and fully reconciled with the Party.”
The former president further assured Atiku that, “the rest of the coast within and outside the country can be cleared,” adding that “And if there is anything I can do and you want me to do in that respect, I will do.”
