- Safiu Kehinde
The 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abukakar, has claimed having evidence confirming that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old.
Atiku made the claim during an interview with BBC on Thursday.
While defending his candidacy, former Vice President maintained that his healthy and strong to run the affairs of Nigeria than Tinubu who he claimed to be old and sick.
He held that he has evidence to prove that Tinubu is 90, adding that he will present the evidence before the court.
“I have a President who is 90 years old and sick. I am healthy and strong. So, why will I not make myself availabke to my country?
“I have evidence that he is 90 and I will present it in court.” He said.
When asked on the reason behind his persistency declaration of interest in the presidency having ran for over two times, Atiku held that he had always had it difficult in his pursuit as he recalled contesting for Adamawa state governorship seat four times.
“I ran for governor four times because, at that time, the people who were in charge of our transition to democracy are military and I was so anti-military that anytime I won, they will disqualify me.
“The last was when there was an attempt on my life and went into exile.
“I have never for once had anything easy in my life. There is nothing new there. Because I ran for presidebcy two or three times doesn’t mean.
“Why are you questioning me on my right. It is my constitutional right. I am strong, healthy, and agile.” He said.
On reason behind his return for another shot for the presidency, Atiku held that he has the experience and confidence neccessary to lead the country.
“Because things are not going right. I have the experience. I have the confidence and patriotism. So, why would I not make what is available to the service of my country.” He said.
On insecurity, Atiku attributed the challenge to government’s irresponsiblity.
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of not paying enough attention to the country’s defense needs.
“I believe it is the irresponsibility of the government because they have not paid attention to our defense needs. One, the defense is undermanned. There are no enough good equipment.
“I remembered when we were in office, I told the president that look, we are over 200 million people in the country.
“Yet, we have less than 200,000 policemen. Egypt that are about 80 million has one million policemen on the street.” He said.
Atiku claimed he will resolve the insecurity challenge in one year if elected.
“I believe within one year, we can control this insurgency that is all over the place.” The ex-Vice President said.