Presidential Ticket: Atiku speaks on defecting

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday said he would not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) anymore, even if he failed to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

Mr Abubakar stated this in Minna while addressing party supporters at the PDP headquarters.

He, however, expressed optimism of winning the presidential ticket of the party if a level-playing ground was provided.

Mr Abubakar called on the leadership of the party to demonstrate high sense of political maturity in conducting a free, fair and transparent presidential primaries.

He said that such political commitment would boost the party’s chances in the presidential election.

“I am ever ready to work towards the success of the party if a level-playing ground is provided during the party primaries.

“Whether I become the presidential candidate or not, I want to assure you that I will always discharge my obligations to ensure the success of the polls,” he said.

He explained that all the presidential aspirants met with the National Working Committee of the party on Wednesday where they later signed an affirmation to support whoever emerged as the party’s flag bearer.

He said he was ready to align with the decision.

He said he was in Niger to solicit the support of party members, especially delegates to the forthcoming convention to actualise his aspiration.