Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria has officially declared his intention to run for the office of the President of Nigeria at the 2015 elections.

He will be running for the ticket of the highest office in the land under the umbrella of the major opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku issued a statement through his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shenu, on Friday, 5 September, in Abuja.

He said, “The Turaki Adamawa will contest for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, in the 2015 presidential elections. The former Vice President will be making the declaration on Wednesday September 24.”

He said he would be making the public declaration on Wednesday, 24 September. He also added that the campaign will be anchored by a former Minister, Prof. Babalola Borisade, whom he described as a veteran of successful presidential contests.

According to the statement, “Borisade is a well-known political strategist who worked for the victory of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and thereafter, late Chief M. K. O. Abiola on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party. He also worked as the strategist for President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and 2003 elections, both of which were won resoundingly.”

Atiku’s statement also said that his ambition was not for selfish gains, but rather, a selfless service to Nigerians.

“This is not about me, it is about our young people. It is about Nigerians. It is their future, not the past. It is about reforming government, securing the people and reconciling the nation.”

“2015 is special and a potential turning point in Nigeria’s history – that we need to seize the moment, to give every Nigerian a chance to help re-define Nigeria as a place for them and their children to prosper and feel safe.”