The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, says crude oil discovery and exploration in Kolmani field located in Bauchi and Gombe States will revitalise the fortunes of the North-Eastern region of the country. 

“The discovery of crude oil and the official flag-off of the exploration by President Muhammadu Buhari is a healthy development that will go a long way in revitalising the fortunes of the Northeastern region of Nigeria,” Mr Abubakar said.

The PDP candidate made this statement on Facebook Wednesday, while reacting to the flag off of Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 809 and 810 in Bauchi and Gombe states.

Mr Abubakar noted that oil exploration in northern Nigeria “will create an opportunity for more investment in education with an emphasis on skills training and entrepreneurship development, which in return, will further generate prosperity for our young people and guarantee a better future for the upcoming generation.

“However, this discovery is without prejudice to my focus on the diversification of our economy that will ensure multiple streams of revenues for the country,” he added.

A former vice president between 1999-2007, Mr Abubakar is contesting to be Nigeria’s president in the forthcoming election. 

Mr Abubakar, 75, is up against Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress and a host of other candidates for the top job in Africa’s most populous country.