Prince Okpole Former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Wednesday, said those who are interested in the future of Nigeria would always be welcomed at his Minna Hilltop residence, saying “Nigeria is bigger than PDP”.
General Babangida spoke to newsmen shortly after holding a closed door meeting with some leaders of the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) at his residence.
On the APC delegation led by its National Chairman, Bisi Akande, were Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Muhammadu Buhari, Aminu Masari, Hassan Lawal and Mrs. Sharon Ikeaso. They were in Minna to woo Babangida and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar to their party.
According to IBB, the APC leaders were granted audience because they are concerned about the welfare of the nation.
He said, “I said Nigeria first before PDP. Nigeria is bigger than PDP. They came to talk about Nigeria and how to move the nation forward.
“The APC leaders visited me to discuss the welfare of the country which should be the responsibility of every Nigerian whether you belong to a party or you do not have a party, you have an assignment assigned to you to protect the integrity of the country.
“People who come to talk about Nigeria and the way forward will always be welcomed by me. We have to find a way forward for this generation, what we are doing is for this generation.
“The meeting have to do with the welfare, well-being, education, security and economic well-being of the country. Anything that would promote and move the country forward would be encouraged by me”.
The APC delegation also consulted with General Abdulsalami Abubakar. He however, told the opposition leaders that he cannot be wooed into a political party, saying he is not a politician.
“I am not a politician, I am not a partisan politician and I don’t need to be wooed. The APC leaders visited to brief me on the amalgamation of the new party, how they are doing, how far they have gone and how things are moving. I have given them my dose of advice.
“What I told them, they have already heard. I’ve advised them on how all of us need this country and to make sure that we maintain peace in the country.
“Whether you are in opposition or in government, in the various ways of your manifesto, you are serving the country. So whatever role any party finds itself, they should play that role very well,” he told newsmen after meeting with his ‘August’ Visitors.
Speaking on their mission, APC Chairman, Bisi Akande said they were in the state to consult with former leaders.
“We need to pick the brains of former rulers in this country in order to be wiser than we were before we came here. We will continue with the consultations until we have visited and consulted with all the wise men in Nigeria,” he said.
Last week, the opposition leaders met with Niger state Governor, Babangida Aliyu during which they formally invited him to joint their party.
