Presidential aspirant on the platform of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sam Ohuabunwa on Thursday visited former military President Ibrahim Babangida in his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.

The meeting was held behind closed doors.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting Ohuabunwa said the biggest challenge facing the country is joblessness which, according to him, is causing the worsening insecurity and socio-economic challenges and increased level of poverty.

Ohuabunwa, who also met with members of the state PDP at the party state secretariat, said he was in Niger state to solicit for Babangida’s wise counsel as well as members of the party in Niger state ahead of the 2023 Presidential election.

He said the situation in Nigeria is very pathetic.

“World Bank classifications indicated that 71 per cent of Nigerians were living in poverty and only 10 per cent of Nigerians, including the few in the corridors of power are rich,” he said.

“The only way forward in addressing the menace was for Nigeria to have an enlightened, visionary and competent leader that can lift the country out the situation.”

Ohuabunwa, a pharmacist by profession and an entrepreneur, said he was motivated to present himself to join the 2023 Presidential race because he has what it takes to change the narrative and put the country on the right pedestal among the comity of nations.

Meanwhile, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, the Convener of New Nigeria Group (NNG), has expressed shock at the sudden transition of Alhaji Hassan Danbaba.

Danbaba is the grandson of the Premier of defunct Northern Region and Sarduana of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello.

Danbaba, who is the head of Kingmakers in Sokoto holds the traditional title of Magajin Garin Sokoto, died in Kaduna at the weekend.

Ohuabunwa, who is also a top contender for the PDP presidential ticket, in his condolence message to the government and people of Sokoto State, expressed shock at the passage of Danbaba.

He regretted the passage of the the Sokoto Prince at a rather relatively young age when the nation is looking up to him for more services to his fatherland.

According to the former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Danbaba would be sorely missed not just by the people of Sokoto, but by all who are looking forward to the emergence of a new Nigeria, where every citizen would be free to live and attain his God-given potentials.

“Danbaba will be missed at this critical stage in the nation’s history as all efforts are being mobilized to ensure the emergence of a new Nigeria”, Ohuabunwa stated.

While condoling with the immediate family left behind by Magajin Garin Sokoto in particular and the entire people of Sotoko, Ohuabunwa noted that the late Danbaba would be remembered by the good legacies he left behind.

He prayed that God would forgive Danbaba his shortcomings and grand him Aljannah Firdaus.