The former vice president urged Nigerians to channel their anger over the new notes and the lack of petrol to vote out the current government.
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential nominee, has pleaded with Nigerian voters not to let wealthy individuals decide who would win the next presidential election.
In a statement on Sunday, February 5, 2023, Atiku reiterated his support for the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) new currency policy.
The PDP presidential flag bearer also applauded the central bank and anti-corruption organizations for their efforts to make the new notes accessible to the general population.
However, he urged Nigerians to leverage their resentment over the price of petrol and the devaluation of their currency to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The statement read: “A few days ago, I had cause to make a statement on the currency conversion policy of the federal government. In the said statement, I aligned my position with an upsurge of demands for a slight extension of the January 31 deadline.
While commending the magnanimity of the CBN for such an extension, it would be pertinent for the agency to take urgent measures and make the new currency available and accessible to the public. This is necessary to ease the ongoing hardships and frustration that have become manifest in our people across the country.
“It is also noteworthy to appreciate the good work being done by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission for busting unscrupulous elements who hoard money in secret warehouses.
“Under no circumstance must we allow the outcome of this election to be determined by the bullion van tendencies. The frustration that we all go through at the moment can be corrected if the CBN continues to do its part and operatives of the EFCC and ICPC, too, ensure that people do not keep stacks of money out of reach of the public. The other side of the bargain is for us as Nigerians to use the power of our PVC to channel our frustration to vote out the APC in the forthcoming general election.”
