Yakowa, in a statement yesterday, said he only said “Babangida is eminently qualified to lead Nigeria after 2011 polls” when the former leader visited him in Kaduna.
But some lawmakers in Bauchi State have signed a campaign agreement with Babangida so that he can fly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag at the 2011 polls.
The state governor, Isa Yuguda, however, believes that Babangida has the capacity to rule the country.
Some reports had quoted Yakowa as describing Babangida as the “most qualified” of all the presidential aspirants to rule the country, a remark, which an official said, the Presidency detested and allegedly demanded an explanation from him.
“Both President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo were shocked when the report was brought to their attention,” the source said, adding that “we know the pains we are going through here in Abuja and Kaduna trying to convince the Kaduna people to give Yakowa the opportunity to continue in office in 2011.”
In a swift reaction yesterday, Yakowa denied describing Babangida as the most qualified of all the presidential aspirants, declaring that he was misquoted.
A press statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Public Affairs), Reuben Buhari, said that Yakowa never used the words “most qualified”.
“What he said was that the former President is eminently qualified to aspire to rule this country,” Buhari said.
According to the statement, “it is the belief of His Excellency that every Nigerian who is aspiring for the office of the President is qualified to contest the election and that it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to determine who the most qualified person to rule this country is.
“As a democrat, the governor believes in the principle of rule of law and the sanctity of the Nigerian constitution that has spelt out the quality of those who can contest any election in this country.”
Babangida had told the Kaduna State House of Assembly that his passion to bailout the nation from the current economic ruin is the cardinal motive for his presidential aspiration.
While in Bauchi, Babangida signed an agreement with 20 members of the state legislature, who would help him to co-ordinate his campaign in the state.
A legislator, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that they were there to show their loyalty to the former ruler and support his presidential bid.
Babangida and members of the House held a 45-minute discussion at the Ramat House, Bauchi, where they agreed to work as a team.
The former military ruler thanked the people of the state for their warm welcome and support for a successful launch of his campaign.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Babayo Garba Gamawa when Babangida visited the Government House, Yuguda said: “The presidential aspirant had been tested as military president,” stressing that “now we want him to go back as civilian president because he means well for this country.”
The governor said “things are getting out of hand in this country and only Babangida can lead Nigerians to the promised land safely because he ruled Nigeria for eight years without interruption.”
| Posted: at | |
;)
TRENDING GISTS 
Heartbroken Father of 4 Recounts Sad Story of How he Discovered His Children Aren't His (VID)
Ondo State Police Officer Called Out For S3xually Assaulting His Daughter Since She Was 10
Socialite, Pretty Mike Shows up to 2025 AMVCA Looking Like This... (Photos)
“He Got Me Pregnant”: Nigerian Lady Accuses Popular Pastor Of Sexual Misconduct In Viral Video