2019: I am Not Desperate to be President, I Am Only Interested in Nigeria, Says Atiku

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said he is not desperate to be president of the country, adding that what is driving him is the spirit to serve the country.

Atiku, who reiterated that he would not leave the PDP even if he lost the party primaries, said he would have become president in 2003 if he were desperate.

Speaking to journalists after meeting with the Bénin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, as part of his national-wide consultation tour on Tuesday, the Turaki Adamawa said he stepped down for late Moshood Abiola in 1993 in the interest of the country.

According to him, "What do you expect my critics to say? I can run as many times as I want. I am fit , qualified and still have ideas to put this country on the right path. What is wrong in trying again and again?

"I am not desperate to become president. If I were desperate, I would have taken the presidency in 2003. If I were desperate, I would not have step down for Abiola. I have the interest of this country."

Meanwhile, the Benin Monarch has said he would always pray to God and his ancestors for emergence of leaders that would cater for the poor.

The Oba urged politicians to tackle security challenges in the country, saying Nigeria would remained underdeveloped if security matters are not thoroughly handled.

Oba Ewuare II, who spoke when Atiku visited his palace, said Nigeria would remained indivisible despite the current security challenges.

Atiku later met with Edo State PDP delegates at the party secretariat.