Atiku went to Arewa House and spoke for a good one and half hours, and out of all he said, it is only a statement that was taken out of context that made the headline. Indeed, this is sad.

Atiku had the best outing of the 3 Presidential candidates, and the below reason is why I said this.

During the Speech phase:

*He clearly outlined his plan for the region, which is integrated into his National Plan and Policy document. Do you know it's only Atiku that has such? People don't attack him on his policies mostly but his personality and main reason is because most people don't like to read, so to enable critical appraisals, or perhaps; there's nothing to criticize there, because it's so good.

Specifically, he touched on the following key areas with a particular outlining of how, by who, where and when to get there:

* Economy: he clearly explained it's link to all aspects of development especially with regards to Infrastructure as a key component of development. He promised to tackle the issue of power, road and rail network. During the interaction phase, he specifically wanted to target all the dams located in the North as a source of electricity generation

* Agriculture was also another key aspects of his development plan and how intend to make the North an agricultural hub. He promised to ensure the North take its place in Agriculture like the late Sardauna has envisioned. In Atiku Policy document, everything has been outlined and how to get it done ( same for all promises).

* Promised to support all SMEs in the North and nationally by setting  aside $10B. Such support is vital to overall economic development of the region and the country at large.

* Restructuring and allowing most states and Local Government Areas more resources

* Repositioning our education system with a particular emphasis of ensuring a compulsory and free education.

During the interaction phase:

* Atiku was asked about the 'Almajiri' menace, and his response was the best. He spoke out of experience and recall his setting up of a committee to which the it's report has not been implemented. He promised to make education compulsory for all children, implement education tax and ensure that the committee report he set up was implemented.

Education is where Atiku is passionate about and he spoke at length about his investment and how he intends to not compromise when it comes education in his presidency.

* He was asked on the issue of Biodiversity projects and the agencies involved. He promised for more funding through the private sector and the streamlining of the operation of most agencies to reduce cost. This especially through of ecological projects to reduce environmental degradation.

* On women, he responded by promising women and youth a 60% part representation in his government. He elaborated on what he has done for women, because of that fact that his mother raised him all by herself and he knows the place of women in the society especially in the fight against poverty.

* On Local Government, he plan for devolving more resources and abort the State and Local Government joint Account. Most importantly, he intends to 'Restructure' and push more responsibilities to the Local Govts and states through effective legislation.

* Now, the question on why he is the best candidate for the north and why the north should trust him is what was taken out of context.

Atiku was responding in a nationalistic fashion, but those who deliberately quote the statement did not fully understand the context on why the statement was made. Atiku was simply trying to say the North needs him as a nationalist from the zone. The North does not need a candidate that is of Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa ethnic stock in his antecedents and make up. Of course, out of all the candidates that are contesting, Atiku is the only one with a nationalist outlook and beliefs

May Atiku succeed.

Atiku will win the 2023 Presidential election God willing.