'Boko Haram is ungodly' - Buhari

Former military Head of State and three-time presidential contender, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), Wednesday formally declared his intention to enter the presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising to fight corruption and wipe out Boko Haram, which he described as “ungodly”.


Buhari, who was accompanied to the podium by four APC governors from Lagos, Rivers, Edo and Nasarawa States, said he was putting himself forward to contest for the party's presidential ticket.

“This is an occasion to celebrate our efforts and to resolve to continue until victory is won. I humbly wish to present myself before you, before all of Nigeria and before God seeking to be elected as APC’s presidential candidate,” he said.

The former head of state also used the opportunity to highlight his priority areas if elected president.

Among the areas, which Buhari said his government would give priority to, were the protection of lives and property, pursuing economic policies for shared prosperity and youth employment.

He said proper attention would be given to the provision of quality education for development, modernity and social mobility, agricultural productivity to ensure food security, adding that he would ensure that millions are out of poverty.

Other areas, which Buhari pledged to focus on, were the revival of the industries to generate employment, developing solid minerals exploitation, restoring honour and integrity to public service, and tackling corruption.

Lastly, the former head of state said he would respect the constitutional separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary and respect the rights of citizens.

Credit: Chuks Okocha/Onyebuchi Ezigbo/ThisDay