Former Nigerian VP launches presidential bid

Former Nigerian Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will declare his plan to run for president today on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

Abubakar ran for president in 2019, when he obtained 41% of votes, second to President Muhammadu Buhari. Known as an enterprising businessman, Abubakar has promised to revitalize the Nigerian economy. He has moved to update his 2019 policy document to reflect current issues. Key proposals that were highlighted include achieving the lowest corporate incomes tax rate in Africa and reforming the energy sector by diversifying power sources and providing up to 20,000MW.

Abubakar’s primary opposition in the race for his party’s presidential ticket include former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, and Senator Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state. Saraki and Tambuwal displayed strong outings at the Port Harcourt National Convention, and Mohammed reportedly enjoys support from prominent politicians and businessmen.

Regional and ethnic conflicts are a major challenge in Nigerian politics. Abubakar will have to face and dismiss accusations of preventing the presidential ticket of People’s Democratic Party being zoned to the country’s southeast, which has felt sidelined by the northern regions and seen separatist sentiments. Abubakar’s platform will run based on attracting foreign investment, improving liquidity, and diversifying the Nigerian economy by reducing oil-dependency for revenues.