Even If Buhari Runs in 2019, I Will Support Atiku, Says Aisha Alhassan

The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, has restated her position that she will support former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2019 presidential election.

Alhassan, in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, added that even if President Muhammadu Buhari decides to contest in 2019, she would still support Atiku.

She said in Hausa: “Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics. And again, Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019.

“Let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that ‘Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve in your government as a minister but Baba just like you know, I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. If Atiku said he is going to contest.”

Alhassan, popularly called Mama Taraba, added that she was not scared of being relieved of her job as minister.

“If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is why.

“Baba is not a mad man like those calling for my sack. They have been sending and spreading it that if Baba sees this I will be sacked,” the minister said.

A video had been leaked of Alhassan indicating her intention to support the former vice-president in 2019.
Although he has not publicly declared his intention, Atiku is believed to be strategising and building a coalition for the 2019 elections.

Buhari has also not declared if he will run for a second term despite his health challenges.