Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 elections, Alhaji Atiku Abibakar, “has a great plan for the youths”, one of his confidants said on Monday.

Barr. Olusegun Bamgbose, National Coordinator, Concerned Advocates for Good Governance (CAGG), said he has known Atiku since 2005 when he was Vice President “and I can authoritatively state that he has a great plan for the youths.”

Bamgbose told News Express about Atiku: “He is a man of the 3vees: Vision, Vigor and Virtue. In a matter of weeks, he is coming out with a big bang as he unfolds his plan on how to fast track Nigeria’s development.”

The activist regretted that “some misguided people have been peddling rumour that he wants to be President in order to loot the country.”

On how Atiku is taking the allegations, the CAGG National Coordinator said: “When I confronted him about this statement recently, because I was expecting him to come out and clear the air, he told me, ‘Segun, it’s always disturbing to me when I read on social media and national dailies that I want to be President because I want to loot the treasury. This really is saddening, Segun. One, it’ll be quite unfortunate if at this age of mine I’ve such a devilish motive. I believe my Creator won’t be happy with me after sparing my life and blessing me with good health and riches. The truth is that my business empire can sustain me and my family comfortably for the rest of our lives. I’ve no reason to steal. No reason at all.

“My ambition to be President is anchored on my belief that life could be much more better for Nigerians with a competent and compassionate leader at the helm of affairs.”

Bamgbose disclosed that when he asked Atiku about his readiness to fight corruption if elected President next year, he had this to say: “Let’s face the reality; it’s only an irresponsible government that will not fight corruption in Nigeria. We can’t go far without fighting corruption. Corruption must be fought collectively if the fight will be effective, he concluded.”