Dr Abdul Jelil, son of Nigeria’s late prime minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, has declared his intention to run for the 2015 presidential election.
Although he is yet to disclose the political platform on which he intends to actualise his presidential ambition, Abdul Jelil noted that with the right political party, he is fully prepared to contest, adding that his interest in the presidential race was originally prompted by well-meaning elder statesmen across the geo-political zones of the country.
The medical doctor said having consulted widely, he is convinced that Nigerians have been yearning for a new leadership capable of fulfilling the high expectations and aspirations of the majority in Nigeria.
He said he is prepared to take up the challenge because his entry into politics would add some values to Nigeria’s democracy given the finesse, candour and pragmatism he would be infusing into the system based on experiences.
The medical doctor noted that his closeness to President Goodluck Jonathan had also made his attempt to lead Nigeria more interesting as he would not consider the contest for the Nigeria’s presidential seat a do or die affair.
He described Jonathan as a pragmatic politician, who, according to him,
had always welcomed free and fair contest.
On the political platform he intended to contest, Jelili who said he would keep that under wrap for strategic reason affirmed, however, that at the nick of time, the political party that would offer him ticket would come clearly to intimate Nigerian about its agenda.
He said, “Some political parties have been talking to me alright. I
have more than two of the parties including the major ones showing
interest. It would be unfair for me to start dropping names, more so when consultations were still ongoing on the next line of action”.
He added that although he had spent most part of his life in the United States and Britain in quest for knowledge, he had been paying his dues in the local politics of Nigeria than what anyone could think off.
He said with his wealth of experience in politics he had in the past contributed to successes of some public office holders both at the state and federal levels.
On whether he had the financial muscle to withstand the pressure of presidential contest, Jelili who said he had never been a pauper insisted that he, at the same time had good Nigerians who would support him in all ramifications.
He said, “We place too much emphasis on money in this country and
that is why our politics appears repressed and clumsy. I have never
been a pauper, all the same we have people who are deeply committed to
my cause and ready to see me through.
“I am not going to let the cat out of the bag yet. I have my game
plans to beat this emphasis on huge money to buy votes. I am going to
do things differently and God will help me”.
Jelili said having the support of top politicians from Bauchi state where he hailed from was an indication that the home support had been useful in generating larger supports from relevant sections of the country.
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Source: http://leadership.ng/news/377061/tafawa-balewas-son-joins-2015-presidential-race
