Former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) on Wednesday threw his weight behind former Senate President Bukola Saraki for the 2023 presidency.
Babangida, who had earlier received presidential aspirants Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, endorsed Saraki’s candidacy during a visit by a delegation of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS), national campaign advocacy council led by its chairman, Prof Hagher Iorwuese and director-general, Osaro Onaiwu.
“Many aspirants had come and will come here. But a young man of his (Saraki) status who knows the country well should lead the country for maximum results,” said Babangida.
“I’m glad to have found people who have defined who a true Nigerian leader should be. This definition was lacking. I’m 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 had last year said the ideal Nigerian president in his definition should be one who knows someone in every part of the country.
The ex-military head hailed Saraki for his efforts as president of the eighth Senate saying, “It was Saraki’s efforts that saved the nation from 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 to this. You have identified the right person for the leadership of this country.”
Babangida added that Nigeria needs a leader that can maximise the country’s diversities.
“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,” he said.
