2023 presidency: Babangida pledges support for Saraki

Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, has announced his support for the former Senate president Bukola Saraki ahead of the 2023 presidential race.

Saraki had last week announced his ambition to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in office.

While speaking on the reason for his support for Saraki, Babangida said the Kwara born politician possesses qualities the country needs to survive at this crucial moment.

Babangida spoke while receiving a delegation of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki, ABS, National Campaign Advocacy Council, led by its Chairman, Prof Hagher Iorwuese and the Director-General, Chief Osaro Onaiwu, at his Minna Hilltop residence.

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According to him, Saraki is a “Self Propelled artillery gun,” that has what it takes to lead Nigeria.

He spoke further: “Am glad to have found people who have defined who a true Nigerian leader should be. This definition was lacking. Am happy you have identified someone who can do the job. The narrative has to change. I know your client very well. I am part of him. His father was very close to me.

“You have zeroed on a good candidate. I call him SP. In the artillery, we have a Self Propelled gun called SP with strategic responsibility and functions. That is who he is.”

He added: “It was Saraki’s efforts that saved the nation from the imminent crisis that ensued. Remember if he was not able to nip the crisis, only God knows what would have happened. It was his intelligence at play that saved the nation. He is the best for Nigeria.

“But a lot of work must be done to convince colleagues and Nigerians on this. You have identified the right person for the leadership of this country. We need a leader that can utilize our rich diversities to our advantage.

“We have abused our diversity and are not able to use it well to our advantage. I believe that the young Saraki has the capacity to bring back this glory to our nation. He has my prayers, he has my absolute support.”