Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate and a former vice president of Nigeria, has called for stronger cooperation between the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom in order to resolve problems that will benefit both nations.
The PDP's nominee for president made this statement on Monday at a meeting with Atiku at his Abuja home with a delegation from the British High Commission, led by High Catriona Laing.
The summit covered a wide range of topics including security, education, agriculture, the economy, and strengthening Nigerian nationalism.
The High Commissioner made a point of pointing out that the meeting with the former Vice President was a component of the UK government's ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy and hold fair elections in Nigeria.
In response, Atiku thanked the visiting delegation and stated that "it is crucial for both countries to capitalise on the bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to push matters that are of mutual importance."
The Waziri Adamawa emphasised that he anticipates the UK taking a more active role in ensuring that Nigerian democracy survives and that the presidential election in 2023 will be free and fair.
Regarding security, he bemoaned the dire situation in the nation and pleaded for UK support, particularly in the areas of training and intelligence sharing.
Regarding the economy, the former vice president declared that, if given the chance, he would, among other things, abolish the several exchange rate regimes and lower taxes to support real investments and encourage legitimate manufacturing. In order to provide jobs for the teeming population of the nation, he also pledged to strengthen agriculture.
The PDP presidential contender also voiced concern over the ongoing ASUU strike and the current educational crisis.
He pledged to implement changes in the educational field, including the revival of loan programmes for Nigerian students.