₦airaland Forum

The declaration by former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, that he will once again contest Nigeria’s presidency in 2027—describing it as his “last shot”—raises fundamental questions about ambition, credibility, and, more importantly, Nigeria’s unity.

No one disputes Atiku’s long-standing presence in Nigeria’s political landscape. However, longevity in politics is not the same as alignment with the present needs of the nation. At 81 by 2027, the issue is not merely age, but judgment: is this ambition driven by national interest or personal fulfilment?

Nigeria operates an informal but vital principle of rotational leadership. After Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, completed eight years in office, power shifted southward to Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023. For many Nigerians, fairness and stability demand that the South completes its turn of eight years before power returns to the North. This is not written in the constitution, but it is deeply embedded in the political psyche of the country.

Against this backdrop, Atiku’s insistence on contesting again appears, at best, tone-deaf and, at worst, dismissive of a delicate national balance. Must he rule Nigeria at all costs?

There is also a deeper issue of trust. Atiku’s political history is replete with party defections and shifting positions. Nigerians will recall that he once described the APC as his “last bus stop,” only to later exit the party. This was highlighted in a 2017 TheCable report referencing his 2014 interview, where he justified his movement across parties in pursuit of his ambition. Today, he asks Nigerians to believe that 2027 will be his final attempt. On what basis?

If history is any guide, many Nigerians are justified in their scepticism. A “serial contestant” promising a final run has, understandably, a credibility gap. What guarantees are there that, if unsuccessful, he will not re-emerge in 2031 with yet another “last shot”?

Even within the emerging opposition coalition, Atiku’s posture raises concerns. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, in a recent interview, emphasised the importance of credibility and national unity, saying Peter Obi’s statement that he would serve only one term if elected in 2027, thereby completing the South’s slot and returning power to the north in 2031, is anchored on Nigeria’s unity.


That position, whether politically strategic or genuinely altruistic, resonates with Nigerians who prioritise balance and inclusion. Atiku is not thinking along that line at all.

Atiku’s recent comments about Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso further complicate matters. By downplaying Kwankwaso’s influence as being largely confined to Kano state and pointing to divisions involving Abba Kabir Yusuf, Atiku has, perhaps inadvertently, undermined the spirit of coalition-building. In a political environment where unity is the opposition’s strongest weapon against an incumbent, such remarks are counterproductive. Kwankwaso’s supporters in the ADC are piqued by that remark.

Coalitions are not built on condescension; they are built on mutual respect. An elder statesman should unite, not divide.

There are also echoes of past miscalculations. In 2023, Atiku’s refusal to heed calls for a southern candidate under the PDP banner, coupled with his controversial decision not to select Nyesom Wike as his running mate despite Wike finishing second in the primaries, triggered a chain reaction. The fallout led to the G-5 rebellion, with governors like Seyi Makinde openly stating that the PDP would have been far stronger had Wike been chosen. The internal crisis weakened the party significantly, contributing to its poor electoral performance.


In less than four years, the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, is completely dead, with the two governors left in its fold, Makinde and Bala Mohammed, already in defection talks with the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC leaders must reflect deeply on this history. Any repeat of such strategic errors could hand an automatic advantage to the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu. Many youths who supported the likes of Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the 2023 elections are in the ADC today, and that explains the surge in the membership registration recently conducted by the party. Many of them believe it is still the turn of the South to produce the next president. Will they remain within the fold if Atiku muscled his way and picks the party’s presidential ticket?

Atiku’s continued pursuit of the presidency, despite repeated setbacks, raises a simple but profound question: Is this about service or self? His assertion that he will support whoever emerges from the primary also deserves scrutiny. On the surface, it sounds conciliatory. But in reality, it could be interpreted as political signalling—a subtle message that others should be prepared to rally behind him, as he likely assumes he will clinch the ticket.

Yet, winning a party primary is not the same as winning a national election.


As 2027 approaches, the ADC and any opposition coalition face a defining choice. Do they prioritise a candidate whose ambition may polarise the electorate and fracture alliances, or do they rally behind a figure who can unify diverse interests and present a credible alternative?

Atiku Abubakar stands at a crossroads. He can choose to cement his legacy as a unifier who placed Nigeria’s stability above personal ambition, or he can persist on a path that risks deepening divisions within both his coalition and the country at large.


Nigeria does not merely need experience; it needs balance, trust, and a genuine commitment to unity. The decisions made today will shape not just the outcome of 2027, but the future of the republic itself.

Beyond politics, there is also a moral and philosophical dimension. Both Islam and Christianity emphasise divine sovereignty in the affairs of men. Power ultimately comes from God, not from relentless human striving. The Qur’anic worldview and the Biblical injunction—“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it”—serve as reminders that ambition must be tempered with humility and discernment.


Atiku should reflect deeply and take the advice offered him by former military governor of Ondo state and ex- Deputy national chairman of the PDP, Olabode George. He said, “my advice to Atiku now is to retire home because he is going to be 80 this year. He should forget any presidential ambition and go home to play with his grandchildren.”

mohbadliveson:
The declaration by former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, that he will once again contest Nigeria’s presidency in 2027—describing it as his “last shot”—raises fundamental questions about ambition, credibility, and, more importantly, Nigeria’s unity.

No one disputes Atiku’s long-standing presence in Nigeria’s political landscape. However, longevity in politics is not the same as alignment with the present needs of the nation. At 81 by 2027, the issue is not merely age, but judgment: is this ambition driven by national interest or personal fulfilment?

Nigeria operates an informal but vital principle of rotational leadership. After Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, completed eight years in office, power shifted southward to Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023. For many Nigerians, fairness and stability demand that the South completes its turn of eight years before power returns to the North. This is not written in the constitution, but it is deeply embedded in the political psyche of the country.

Against this backdrop, Atiku’s insistence on contesting again appears, at best, tone-deaf and, at worst, dismissive of a delicate national balance. Must he rule Nigeria at all costs?


There is also a deeper issue of trust. Atiku’s political history is replete with party defections and shifting positions. Nigerians will recall that he once described the APC as his “last bus stop,” only to later exit the party. This was highlighted in a 2017 TheCable report referencing his 2014 interview, where he justified his movement across parties in pursuit of his ambition. Today, he asks Nigerians to believe that 2027 will be his final attempt. On what basis?

If history is any guide, many Nigerians are justified in their scepticism. A “serial contestant” promising a final run has, understandably, a credibility gap. What guarantees are there that, if unsuccessful, he will not re-emerge in 2031 with yet another “last shot”?

Even within the emerging opposition coalition, Atiku’s posture raises concerns. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, in a recent interview, emphasised the importance of credibility and national unity, saying Peter Obi’s statement that he would serve only one term if elected in 2027, thereby completing the South’s slot and returning power to the north in 2031, is anchored on Nigeria’s unity.


That position, whether politically strategic or genuinely altruistic, resonates with Nigerians who prioritise balance and inclusion. Atiku is not thinking along that line at all.

Atiku’s recent comments about Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso further complicate matters. By downplaying Kwankwaso’s influence as being largely confined to Kano state and pointing to divisions involving Abba Kabir Yusuf, Atiku has, perhaps inadvertently, undermined the spirit of coalition-building. In a political environment where unity is the opposition’s strongest weapon against an incumbent, such remarks are counterproductive. Kwankwaso’s supporters in the ADC are piqued by that remark.

Coalitions are not built on condescension; they are built on mutual respect. An elder statesman should unite, not divide.

There are also echoes of past miscalculations. In 2023, Atiku’s refusal to heed calls for a southern candidate under the PDP banner, coupled with his controversial decision not to select Nyesom Wike as his running mate despite Wike finishing second in the primaries, triggered a chain reaction. The fallout led to the G-5 rebellion, with governors like Seyi Makinde openly stating that the PDP would have been far stronger had Wike been chosen. The internal crisis weakened the party significantly, contributing to its poor electoral performance.


In less than four years, the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, is completely dead, with the two governors left in its fold, Makinde and Bala Mohammed, already in defection talks with the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC leaders must reflect deeply on this history. Any repeat of such strategic errors could hand an automatic advantage to the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu. Many youths who supported the likes of Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the 2023 elections are in the ADC today, and that explains the surge in the membership registration recently conducted by the party. Many of them believe it is still the turn of the South to produce the next president. Will they remain within the fold if Atiku muscled his way and picks the party’s presidential ticket?

Atiku’s continued pursuit of the presidency, despite repeated setbacks, raises a simple but profound question: Is this about service or self? His assertion that he will support whoever emerges from the primary also deserves scrutiny. On the surface, it sounds conciliatory. But in reality, it could be interpreted as political signalling—a subtle message that others should be prepared to rally behind him, as he likely assumes he will clinch the ticket.

Yet, winning a party primary is not the same as winning a national election.


As 2027 approaches, the ADC and any opposition coalition face a defining choice. Do they prioritise a candidate whose ambition may polarise the electorate and fracture alliances, or do they rally behind a figure who can unify diverse interests and present a credible alternative?

Atiku Abubakar stands at a crossroads. He can choose to cement his legacy as a unifier who placed Nigeria’s stability above personal ambition, or he can persist on a path that risks deepening divisions within both his coalition and the country at large.


Nigeria does not merely need experience; it needs balance, trust, and a genuine commitment to unity. The decisions made today will shape not just the outcome of 2027, but the future of the republic itself.

Beyond politics, there is also a moral and philosophical dimension. Both Islam and Christianity emphasise divine sovereignty in the affairs of men. Power ultimately comes from God, not from relentless human striving. The Qur’anic worldview and the Biblical injunction—“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it”—serve as reminders that ambition must be tempered with humility and discernment.


Atiku should reflect deeply and take the advice offered him by former military governor of Ondo state and ex- Deputy national chairman of the PDP, Olabode George. He said, “my advice to Atiku now is to retire home because he is going to be 80 this year. He should forget any presidential ambition and go home to play with his grandchildren.”

Akinsuyi, former group politics editor of the Daily Independent, writes from the United Kingdom. He can be reached at shabydayo@gmail.com
https://www.thecable.ng/will-atikus-inordinate-ambition-mar-adcs-chances-in-2027/

alsudan:
Akinsuyi a Yoruba man is the writer of this useless epistle.

Just as their Lord and Saviour used Buhari to sack Jonathan a Southerner, same way will Obidients join hands with Atiku to Roast Tinubu on election day.

Rotational Presidency narrative wont fly, so make una find another story.

The reality of an Atiku/Obi de really give these guys sleepless nights.

LibertyRep:
Inordinate as how?

Did he stop any other person from vying for the ticket?

Or you all just want a free ticket without contest?

9jatriot:
Lol... The handwriting on the wall that was unclear before is begging to become clear to you guys. All that scam of I will do only one term, just allow me has not fooled anybody.

Hoebidients have begun to realize that if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) successfully fields a candidate in the next election, that candidacy was always intended for Atiku Abubakar.

Now, there are even sponsored posts circulating to discredit him.
The reality is that, for perhaps the first time in his political career, Atiku has outmaneuvered his rivals by consolidating all potential opposition into a single space—one where he holds the reins.

However, in executing this strategy, he made a few critical missteps with the ADC. Before he can fully assert control, he must first secure his position as the party’s legitimate leader. Until that happens, figures like Amaechi, Obi, and Kwankwaso remain exactly where Atiku wants them: trapped in a party they cannot easily escape, yet unable to challenge his dominance.

mohbadliveson:
https://www.thecable.ng/will-atikus-inordinate-ambition-mar-adcs-chances-in-2027/

mohbadliveson:
https://www.thecable.ng/will-atikus-inordinate-ambition-mar-adcs-chances-in-2027/

anonimi:
Wike lobbied PDP committee to be Atiku’s running mate – Ex-gov’ship aspirant

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:33:04 WAT

Muazu Magaji, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kano State, has alleged that the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, lobbied members of the party’s committee constituted to advise the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on the choice of his running mate.

Magaji disclosed this while speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, on Thursday.

The Kano politician also argued that there was no proof that Atiku promised Wike the vice president position as claimed.

The PDP committee had recommended the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel and Wike.

The committee, however, scored Wike above the other two contenders but Atiku decided to settle for Okowa. A decision that has since unsettled Wike’s camp.

Magaji, however, claimed that Wike lobbied to be scored ahead of others, adding that the Rivers State governor should not be trusted with important positions in the country.

https://dailytrust.com/wike-lobbied-pdp-committee-to-be-atikus-running-mate-ex-govship-aspirant/

ddippset:
Says a man who hijacked the party and singlehandedly produced the last 4 National Chairmen of the party for his own selfishness.

Says a man who accepted nomination to be running mate to Fulani Atiku.
He knew it was injustice to give Atiku the ticket yet he lobbied to be the VP.


He knew the party had to go South for the 2023 election, yet he still put Secondus as National Chaiman just to hijack the party..
Only to push Secondus out because he wanted the ticket 2023.

This man remains the biggest problem of PDP.

He can only deceive and fool his minions, not reasonable people.

tuoyoojo:
The body language of atiku is clear

Peter obi is already beginning to get the aroma

In his usual manner no one can match him financially when it's comes to inducement of delegates

Can wait and run in 2031 when it would be the turn of the north but if he decides th3 scuttle the coalition because of personal ambition, then tulumbu would not need to do anything but let the oppositon fight themselves and scatter their votes

If these people would not learn from 2023 elections then Nigeria politicians deserve the country they get

lexylaw40:
The “president-elect” saw in Obi's presidential bid, a good chance to reduce the winning chances of the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State, Tawfiq Akinwale, [/b]on Wednesday [b]stated that the “President-elect” Bola Tinubu asked popular economist, Prof Pat Utomi to step down for Peter Obi in the buildup to the 2023 general elections.

Akinwale made this revelation while he appeared as a guest on a radio programme on 101.7 YES FM, Ibadan, Oyo State, while alleging that Obi received campaign funds from Utomi, whom he described as Tinubu's "son."

The LP aspirant, who spoke in Yoruba language, said "In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Obi who had purchased the nomination form of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suddenly announced his exit from the party.

"Initially, Pat Utomi had secured the LP's presidential ticket, but when Peter Obi said he resigned from the PDP and joined the LP. Bola Tinubu, a master political strategist, quickly told Utomi, that everyone knows to be his son to step down for Obi.

"The “president-elect” saw in Obi's presidential bid, a good chance to reduce the winning chances of the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

"What Peter Obi didn't know is much more that what he knows, he started collecting campaign funds from Utomi, while Tinubu was giving the money to Utomi.

"This went on until Obi's presidential campaign got to a stage it went beyond target. Obi was used without him knowing," Akinwale said after announcing his departure from the party.

Obi defected to the LP after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and also withdrawing from the presidential race under the party.

The former governor consequently joined the race for the party’s presidential ticket, while Professor Pat Utomi, in June 2022 stepped down for him to emerge as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, unopposed in Asaba, Delta State.

https://saharareporters.com/2023/05/24/how-president-elect-tinubu-funded-peter-obis-campaign-reduce-winning-chances-atiku-oyo

Nextjs:
The man wants to answer president by all means with no new ideas on how to solve Nigeria problem.

Same thing Buhari did.

Atiku that bankroll pdp delegate in the last primary shows how corrupt he is.

Him and the person of tinubu no difference

anonimi:
‘How Atiku saved Obasanjo from near bankruptcy before he emerged president’‘

A new book has revealed how former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, saved ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo from near bankruptcy before he emerged president in 1999.

According to the new book, entitled ‘’Too Good to Die: Third Term and the Myth of the Indispensable Man in Africa,’ Atiku made all his resources available for Obasanjo’s presidential campaign.

The book, written by former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Chidi Odinkalu, and Ayisha Osori, author of ‘’Love Does Not Win Elections,” also revealed how Obasanjo beat late Alex Ekwueme to the presidential ticket of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 1999 election.

Quoting an account from Atiku, the authors said the trio of Ibrahim Babangida, Theophilus Danjuma and Abdulsalami Abubakar wanted PDP to adopt Obasanjo as their presidential candidate “because they considered him the best person for the job.”

“Implicit in their position was their belief that they knew how to manipulate Obasanjo and the fact that Obasanjo did their bidding in 1979. They felt secure that he could be managed again,” the authors wrote.

Atiku was reportedly asked to join a team to Ogun to inform Obasanjo that he was going to run for the highest office in the land.

“When Atiku and Obasanjo discussed the call to serve as president, Obasanjo said he could not be president because he was a nearly bankrupt ex-convict. Atiku, through General (Aliyu) Gusau, paid money into Obasanjo’s account to begin his financial rehabilitation.

“Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar helped out by granting him an unconditional pardon. Atiku put everything he had at his disposal to support Obasanjo’s emergence as the PDP presidential candidate and, when he joined the ticket as the vice-presidential nominee, continued to make his assets available to Obasanjo and the campaign.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/how-atiku-saved-obasanjo-from-near-bankruptcy-before-he-emerged-president/

alsudan:
Akinsuyi a Yoruba man is the writer of this useless epistle.

Just as their Lord and Saviour used Buhari to sack Jonathan a Southerner, same way will Obidients join hands with Atiku to Roast Tinubu on election day.

Rotational Presidency narrative wont fly, so make una find another story.

The reality of an Atiku/Obi de really give these guys sleepless nights.