Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said Nigeria’s growing challenges do not intimidate him.

He expressed confidence in his ability to assemble a capable team to address the country’s problems.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Arise TV Prime Time, Atiku said leadership is about identifying competent people who can deliver results.

“It doesn’t intimidate me because I can identify competent people in this country who can help me overcome all those challenges,” he said.

He pointed to his experience during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he played a key role in assembling government officials.

“I will not say solely, but mostly, because President Obasanjo had just come out from prison and I did most of the politicking,” Atiku said.
“I even travelled to the United States and Europe to headhunt and interview Nigerians, and I brought a number of them back. They proved themselves.”

According to him, many of those recruited during that period contributed significantly to governance and helped reposition the country after years of military rule.

Atiku, on the issue of restructuring, maintained that his position remains unchanged, even though it has not been at the forefront of recent political discussions.
“I have not changed my position on restructuring,” he affirmed.

He explained that shifting national priorities have pushed the conversation to the background, as many Nigerians are now more concerned about immediate economic and security challenges.

“Political issues have their lifespan. Right now, Nigerians are more concerned about insecurity, hunger, unemployment and corruption,” he said.

Atiku added that the hardship facing citizens has forced many to focus on survival, leaving broader governance reforms like restructuring less discussed.

“They have even forgotten about their freedom. They have forgotten about restructuring because of the challenges they are facing,” he said.