Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, has thrown his weight behind the 2023 presidential ambition of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Babangida explained that he supports Saraki’s presidential ambition because he is the “best for Nigeria” in 2023.
He 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.
The delegation was in Minna, Niger State to seek Babangida’s support for Saraki’s presidential ambition.
Describing Saraki as “Self Propelled artillery gun,” the former military Head of State said he has what it takes to lead Nigeria.
According to IBB: “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.”
Babangida also recalled how Saraki saved Nigeria during the 8th Senate, stressing that he showed patriotism.
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.”
Last week, Saraki signified interest to join the 2023 presidential race.