Former Alliance for Democracy, AD, governorship candidate in Lagos State, Owolabi Salis, on Thursday had a closed-door meeting with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Salis disclosed that the meeting was part of consultations with key political leaders and stakeholders on national development.

The New York-based lawyer and chartered accountant stated that he also plans to meet President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former military leaders including General Yakubu Gowon, rtd; General Ibrahim Babangida, rtd; and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd.

Salis expressed concern over the country’s slow pace of development despite its vast potential more than two decades after the return to democratic rule.

He attributed some of the challenges facing the country to weak democratic institutions and political practices that, according to him, have affected ordinary citizens.

According to him, poverty and limited access to healthcare had widened the gap between the rich and poor, noting that many vulnerable Nigerians struggle to access basic medical services.

The lawyer further disclosed that he provides monthly support for some people through food and medical assistance, while also expressing concern over infrastructure challenges in disadvantaged communities.

The former governorship candidate also called for electoral reforms, saying improvements were needed to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.