“You’ll Face Tough And Likely Dirty Campaign” – Obasanjo Warns Atiku

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be prepared for the “tough and likey dirty campaigns” ahead 2019 general elections.

Obasanjo, who however noted that Atiku Abubakar was the only one among the PDP aspirants who has the capacity to perform better than the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, said he already know how to “handle what is already out and what may yet be put out by the opposition”.

The former President spoke on Thursday when he played host to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, as well as received religious leaders, top politicians and civil rights activists who accompanied the PDP candidate on the visit designed to reconcile Atiku with his former boss.

Speaking during the visit, Obasanjo said:  “For me, relatively and of all the aspirants in the PDP, you have the widest and greatest exposure, experience, outreach and possibly the best machinery and preparation for seeing the tough and likely dirty campaign ahead through. From what I personally know of you, you have capacity to perform better than the incumbent. You surely understand the economy better; you have business experience, which can make your administration business-friendly and boost the economy and provide jobs.

Obasanjo alluded to the fact that Atiku was opposite of the incumbent ostensibly because; “You have better outreach nationally and internationally and that can translate to better management of foreign affairs. You are more accessible and less inflexible and more open to all parts of the country in many ways. As Pastor Bakare, one-time running mate of the incumbent President said, “You are a wazobia man.” And that should help you in confronting the confrontable and shunning nepotism.”

Obasanjo advised Abubakar to team up with those who lost out in the race to secure the presidential ticket of the PDP.

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“In addition to appreciating all that the Party has done for you, may I advise you to work together with all those who contested for the party’s flag with you as a team for your campaign,” he said.

BigPen Online recalls that Obasanjo had purportedly nursed resentment for Atiku over the years after the latter reportedly scuttled his third term bid but the former vice president was quoted to have said some time ago that he has no problems with Obasanjo but is not sure if the former President and Head of State has a problem with him.

But speaking further however, Obasanjo who said he had forgiven Atiku during the meeting maintained: “There are still areas, nationally and internationally, where you have to mend fences and make amends. You will know how to handle what is already out and what may yet be put out by the opposition”.

He said that the coast would be clear for Atiku nationally and Internationally if he continue to mend fences and make amends ahead 2019.

“But, I am convinced that if you continue with the attitude that brought you here with these distinguished leaders of goodwill, with remorse and contrite heart, the rest of the coast within and outside the country can be cleared. And if there is anything I can do and you want me to do in that respect, I will do.

“I am sure with the right attitude for change where necessary, and by putting lessons learned by you to work, you will get the understanding, cooperation, support and mandate – all at the national level.

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“With Nigerians voting for you, it will mean that you secure their forgiveness and regain their confidence. It will be with the hope or assurance of a Paul on the road to Damascus Conversion. After all, change and conversion are of man. I believe that with a contrite heart, change is possible in everybody’s life and situation.”