Atiku has rediscovered, re-positioned himself, says Obasanjo 

A former President, Olusegun Obasanjo says the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abukabar has rediscovered and re-positioned himself after the daggers drawn between the duo.

Atiku was Obasanjo’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007, but they have been torn apart, with former President repeatedly declared that he would not back Atiku’s presidential ambition.

Obasanjo spoke in his address at the meeting held today in Abeokuta.

The national chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus was part of the meeting.

He said Atiku has learnt some good lessons and ready to mend fences and make amends as necessary and as desirable.

Obasanjo said: “Yes, when it started, it was meant for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo.  In the presence of these distinguished leaders of goodwill today, let me say it openly that we have reviewed what went wrong on the side of Atiku.  And in all honesty, my former Vice-President has re-discovered and re-positioned himself.

“As I have repeatedly said, it is not so much what you did against me that was the issue but what you did against the Party, the Government and the country.

“I took the stand I had taken based on the character and attributes you exhibited in the position you found yourself.  I strongly believe that I was right. It was in the overall interest of everyone and everything to take such a position.

“From what transpired in the last couple of hours or so, you have shown remorse; you have asked for forgiveness and you have indicated that you have learnt some good lessons and you will mend fences and make amends as necessary and as desirable.

“Whenever or wherever you might have offended me, as a Christian who asks for God’s forgiveness of my sins and inadequacies on daily basis, I forgive and I sincerely advise you to learn from the past and do what is right and it will be well with you.  Obviously, you have mended fences with the Party and fully reconciled with the Party.  That’s why today, you are the Presidential Candidate of the Party.”