₦airaland Forum

Atiku Abubakar’s persistent pursuit of Nigeria’s presidency, despite multiple failed attempts since 1993, is a masterclass in political delusion and self-serving ambition that stifles the nation’s progress. At 78, with a political career spanning over three decades, his insistence on running again in 2027—potentially his fifth bid— reeks of an ego-driven obsession with power rather than a genuine commitment to Nigeria’s future. This is not the mark of a statesman but of a man clinging to a fading dream, blind to the reality that his time has passed.

Let’s be brutally clear: Atiku’s track record as a serial contender is a testament to his inability to read the room. He has lost elections repeatedly—1993, 2007, 2015, 2019, and 2023—not because of some grand conspiracy, but because Nigerians have consistently rejected his vision, or lack thereof. His latest maneuver, aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, is less a strategic masterstroke and more a desperate attempt to remain relevant in a political landscape that has long outgrown him. The coalition itself, cobbled together with other political relics like David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, feels like a museum of yesterday’s men, recycling the same tired promises of reform while offering nothing new.

The criticism from insiders and observers is scathing and justified. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, called Atiku and his allies “greedy old men” who have “nothing new to offer Nigerians.” This isn’t just rhetoric; it’s a damning indictment of a politician whose ambition outweighs his innovation. Atiku’s platform, whether under PDP or now ADC, leans on vague promises of fighting corruption and improving governance—promises he’s recycled for decades without a clear, actionable blueprint. His tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, while not without achievements, was marred by allegations of corruption and power struggles with then-President Obasanjo, hardly the resume of a transformative leader.

The most egregious sin, however, is Atiku’s refusal to step aside for younger, more dynamic leaders. Nigeria, with a median age of 18, is a youthful nation crying out for fresh ideas and energy. Yet, Atiku’s insistence on hogging the spotlight suffocates the aspirations of capable younger candidates like Peter Obi, who at 63 commands a vibrant, youth-driven “Obidient” movement, or others who could bring new perspectives to Nigeria’s complex challenges. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to President Tinubu, nailed it when he urged Atiku to “be a father figure and bring in new blood” rather than chasing another doomed candidacy.

Atiku’s defenders might point to his political network and near-success in 2023, where analysts suggest a united PDP could have clinched victory. But this ignores the bigger picture: his candidacy has consistently fractured opposition unity, as seen in the PDP’s internal crises and Obi’s defection to the Labour Party in 2023. His age—approaching 80 by 2027—raises legitimate concerns about his physical and mental stamina for the presidency’s grueling demands. More damningly, his history of party-switching—from PDP to Action Congress, back to PDP, and now flirting with ADC—paints a picture of opportunism, not principle.

The Oduwa People’s Assembly put it bluntly: Atiku’s presence in the ADC is a “liability” that undermines the coalition’s credibility. His insistence on running risks splitting the opposition vote yet again, potentially handing Tinubu’s APC another term. Nigeria’s challenges—economic stagnation, insecurity, and youth unemployment—demand bold, innovative leadership, not the recycled ambitions of a man who has had his shot and missed repeatedly. Atiku’s refusal to mentor or sponsor younger leaders is not just selfish; it’s a betrayal of the nation’s future. He should take a bow, step back, and let Nigeria breathe. The presidency is not his birthright.

FreeThinker from Pluto

Atiku will perform more better than this present government.
Free thinker, it's your free thinking that put us in the mess today.
Anyone can perform better than this government, leave talk. Leave Atiku if Nigerians Vote let him rule, if he fails, so be it.

All these Tinubu supporters trying very hard to discredit Atiku and also trying very hard to give Obi the ticket, we know Una game... Atiku has the ticket and Atiku will win the elections and Atiku will perform far better than all former presidents including the calamity sitting in the Villa.

Aptly demystified 👍 Atiku is an enemy of Nigeria cum super corrupt fellow. His inordinate ambition is retarding our growth, very desperate a fellow. Anyone in doubt should simply go and ask obj. He can't be trusted one bit. What he did to mko at the primaries was a clear proof. Genz generation needs to learn much more about the past to understand why we hate some politicians of today. Their antecedents are the reasons we're still stuck as a nation today.

That is a farce. It is the citizens unwilling attitude towards making decisions about the future of the country. Even with a thousand atiku, the people can make concise decision and choose it leader even when such a one is unpopular.
But greed is the new name for character. Everyone has it.

They never loved PO..they fear Atiku badly because he knows their games and understands their actions..

Any PO supporter should understand the real plot of These Agbadorian Agbayas. They need PO as the flag bearer to win via corrupt means

Immediately Atiku/PO ticket is secured the election will be a formality.

Tinubu doesn't even have international appeal. They know he is a failure.

Mabuggi88:
Atiku will perform more better than this present government.
Free thinker, it's your free thinking that put us in the mess today.
Anyone can perform better than this government, leave talk. Leave Atiku if Nigerians Vote let him rule, if he fails, so be it.

Ah yes, “anyone will do better than Tinubu”—funny, that’s exactly what y’all said about Buhari. And look how well that turned out. Now you want to rinse and repeat with Grandpa Atiku? Keep recycling old politicians like used nylon and wondering why the country smells the same.

FreeThinker from Pluto

Eriokanmi:
Aptly demystified 👍 Atiku is an enemy of Nigeria cum super corrupt fellow. His inordinate ambition is retarding our growth, very desperate a fellow. Anyone in doubt should simply go and ask obj. He can't be trusted one bit. What he did to mko at the primaries was a clear proof. Genz generation needs to learn much more about the past to understand why we hate some politicians of today. Their antecedents are the reasons we're still stuck as a nation today.

Most of this Gen Z don’t know anything about the past—and worse, they don’t even bother to read about it. Ever wondered why the government removed history from the school syllabus? Your guess is as good as mine. Any country that doesn’t take its past seriously will keep falling into the same mistakes over and over again.

FreeThinker from Pluto

Aptly put bt the @OP....AA is nothing more than a desperate politician , scheming to claw his way back into relevance using the followership of PO...He knows his candidacy is dead on arrival ...
Only hate-filled fellows and Gen zs that cannot see through the veil...las las , PBAT will retire him and his co travellers to the dustbin of history come 2027