₦airaland Forum

By Honourable Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje
Disciples of Jagaban National Coordinator

The eyes of desperate political interests are firmly fixed on Nigeria's national resources, including the nation's foreign exchange reserves. In their desperate quest for political power, there is a growing concern that some political actors may resort to exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments, deepening divisions among Nigerians, and manipulating public opinion to achieve their ambitions.

But let one thing be clear: Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no politician's ambition is worth sacrificing our national unity!

I want Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or political affiliation, to pay close attention to certain fundamental questions surrounding Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's political ambition and his approach to the 2027 presidential election.

FIRST: WHAT LEGACY IS ATIKU ABUBAKAR PRESENTING TO NIGERIANS?

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. Yet, in my view, his current campaign must do more than dwell on criticisms of the present administration. Nigerians deserve a clear, detailed, and verifiable account of what he achieved while in office and how those achievements would translate into better governance today.

If he believes he has the experience and capacity to lead Nigeria again, let him present his record, defend his legacy, and explain precisely what he intends to do differently.

Nigeria's presidency is not a retirement benefit for former officeholders. It is a sacred responsibility that must be earned through credible leadership, demonstrable competence, and a convincing vision for the future.

SECOND: CRITICISM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA!

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has every democratic right to criticise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. That is the essence of democracy. However, Nigerians also have the right to demand more than criticism.

Where is the comprehensive alternative?

How would he address inflation, unemployment, insecurity, poverty, exchange-rate instability, and the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians?

What practical measures would he introduce to strengthen the economy, protect public resources, and improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens?

A serious presidential aspirant must not merely identify the weaknesses of an incumbent. He must demonstrate that he possesses better solutions.

The Nigerian people deserve policies, not just political attacks; answers, not just accusations; and a credible vision, not merely an ambition to return to power.

THIRD: NIGERIA IS TOO BIG FOR VILLAGE-STYLE POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING!

In my assessment, one of the greatest weaknesses of Atiku Abubakar's political approach is the need to convince Nigerians beyond his established political circles. A presidential campaign should be prepared to withstand rigorous questioning, public scrutiny, and honest debate.

No serious presidential aspirant should assume that political loyalty is a substitute for competence or that a familiar political audience represents the entire Nigerian electorate.

The presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a village chieftaincy contest. It requires the ability to engage Nigerians from every region, defend one's record before informed citizens, and answer difficult questions without evasion.

If Atiku believes he deserves another opportunity to lead this country, let him step forward with a clear agenda, submit his record to public examination, and convince Nigerians through evidence and sound policy proposals.

Leadership is not established by the size of one's political entourage, the loudness of one's supporters, or the frequency of one's attacks against opponents. Leadership is demonstrated by competence, integrity, accountability, and the ability to offer practical solutions to national challenges.

FOURTH: WHY SHOULD NIGERIANS ENTRUST NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TO ATIKU AGAIN?

This is a legitimate question that every Nigerian has the right to ask.

After decades of political participation and years of occupying one of the highest offices in the land, what new ideas, fresh commitments, and verifiable solutions is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar bringing to the table?

What lessons has he learnt from his years in public service?

How will his proposed administration be different from previous administrations?

What safeguards would he introduce to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public funds?

These are not questions of hatred. They are questions of democratic responsibility.

Nobody should be above scrutiny simply because of political connections, personal wealth, regional affiliation, or presidential ambition.

Nigeria's treasury is not the private property of any politician, political party, or political family. Public office is a trust, and every aspirant must be prepared to justify why that trust should be placed in their hands.

FIFTH: NIGERIANS MUST REJECT THE POLITICS OF ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS DIVISION!

This is where I draw the line.

No political ambition should be allowed to threaten the peace, unity, and coexistence of our people. No politician should exploit the differences among Nigerians to gain an electoral advantage.

Whether such divisive tactics come from the opposition or the ruling party, they deserve to be rejected.

Nigeria is home to people of different ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, languages, and cultural traditions. These differences are not our weakness. They are part of our national identity.

The future of this country must never be determined by those who believe that setting one Nigerian against another is the easiest route to political power.

I firmly believe that millions of Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones understand the importance of national unity and will not willingly surrender their future to ethnic hatred, religious hostility, or political manipulation.

To those who believe that dividing Nigerians will deliver the presidency to them, I have a clear message: YOU UNDERESTIMATE THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE!

The fire of ethnic and religious hatred does not discriminate between those who ignite it and those who become its victims. Once allowed to spread, it can consume the very interests that initially sought to exploit it.

That is why responsible political leaders must choose the path of peace, patriotism, and national cohesion.

MY FINAL MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS AHEAD OF 2027

Let us ask every presidential aspirant the hard questions.

Let us examine their records, scrutinise their promises, challenge their policies, and demand evidence to support their claims.

Let us refuse to be manipulated by political propaganda, ethnic sentiments, religious prejudice, or personality worship.

Let us remember that Nigeria is bigger than Atiku Abubakar, bigger than Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and bigger than every political party or individual seeking to occupy Aso Rock.

No politician owns Nigeria. No region has a monopoly on patriotism. No religion grants anyone an exclusive right to govern this country.

As we approach 2027, my position remains firm: Nigeria needs leadership that can unite its people, protect public resources, confront national challenges, and deliver measurable progress. Any aspirant seeking the highest office in the land must be prepared to prove that he or she is worthy of that responsibility.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar must be judged by his record, his policies, his answers to legitimate questions, and the credibility of his vision for Nigeria—not merely by his criticisms of President Tinubu.

And the same standard must apply to every other presidential aspirant, including the incumbent.

Our loyalty must ultimately be to Nigeria and the welfare of its people.

THE 2027 ELECTION MUST BE ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPETENCE, NATIONAL UNITY, AND THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY—not ethnic warfare, religious hostility, or the personal ambitions of political elites.

Nigeria will survive every politician who comes and goes. The real question is whether our politicians will rise above personal ambition and serve the people with the seriousness, honesty, and patriotism that our country deserves.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

Signed:

Honourable Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje
Disciples of Jagaban National Coordinator

[/b][b]

Newsangle:
By Honourable Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje
Disciples of Jagaban National Coordinator

The eyes of desperate political interests are firmly fixed on Nigeria's national resources, including the nation's foreign exchange reserves. In their desperate quest for political power, there is a growing concern that some political actors may resort to exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments, deepening divisions among Nigerians, and manipulating public opinion to achieve their ambitions.

But let one thing be clear: Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no politician's ambition is worth sacrificing our national unity!

I want Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or political affiliation, to pay close attention to certain fundamental questions surrounding Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's political ambition and his approach to the 2027 presidential election.

FIRST: WHAT LEGACY IS ATIKU ABUBAKAR PRESENTING TO NIGERIANS?

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. Yet, in my view, his current campaign must do more than dwell on criticisms of the present administration. Nigerians deserve a clear, detailed, and verifiable account of what he achieved while in office and how those achievements would translate into better governance today.

If he believes he has the experience and capacity to lead Nigeria again, let him present his record, defend his legacy, and explain precisely what he intends to do differently.

Nigeria's presidency is not a retirement benefit for former officeholders. It is a sacred responsibility that must be earned through credible leadership, demonstrable competence, and a convincing vision for the future.

SECOND: CRITICISM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA!

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has every democratic right to criticise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. That is the essence of democracy. However, Nigerians also have the right to demand more than criticism.

Where is the comprehensive alternative?

How would he address inflation, unemployment, insecurity, poverty, exchange-rate instability, and the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians?

What practical measures would he introduce to strengthen the economy, protect public resources, and improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens?

A serious presidential aspirant must not merely identify the weaknesses of an incumbent. He must demonstrate that he possesses better solutions.

The Nigerian people deserve policies, not just political attacks; answers, not just accusations; and a credible vision, not merely an ambition to return to power.

THIRD: NIGERIA IS TOO BIG FOR VILLAGE-STYLE POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING!

In my assessment, one of the greatest weaknesses of Atiku Abubakar's political approach is the need to convince Nigerians beyond his established political circles. A presidential campaign should be prepared to withstand rigorous questioning, public scrutiny, and honest debate.

No serious presidential aspirant should assume that political loyalty is a substitute for competence or that a familiar political audience represents the entire Nigerian electorate.

The presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a village chieftaincy contest. It requires the ability to engage Nigerians from every region, defend one's record before informed citizens, and answer difficult questions without evasion.

If Atiku believes he deserves another opportunity to lead this country, let him step forward with a clear agenda, submit his record to public examination, and convince Nigerians through evidence and sound policy proposals.

Leadership is not established by the size of one's political entourage, the loudness of one's supporters, or the frequency of one's attacks against opponents. Leadership is demonstrated by competence, integrity, accountability, and the ability to offer practical solutions to national challenges.

FOURTH: WHY SHOULD NIGERIANS ENTRUST NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TO ATIKU AGAIN?

This is a legitimate question that every Nigerian has the right to ask.

After decades of political participation and years of occupying one of the highest offices in the land, what new ideas, fresh commitments, and verifiable solutions is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar bringing to the table?

What lessons has he learnt from his years in public service?

How will his proposed administration be different from previous administrations?

What safeguards would he introduce to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public funds?

These are not questions of hatred. They are questions of democratic responsibility.

Nobody should be above scrutiny simply because of political connections, personal wealth, regional affiliation, or presidential ambition.

Nigeria's treasury is not the private property of any politician, political party, or political family. Public office is a trust, and every aspirant must be prepared to justify why that trust should be placed in their hands.

FIFTH: NIGERIANS MUST REJECT THE POLITICS OF ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS DIVISION!

This is where I draw the line.

No political ambition should be allowed to threaten the peace, unity, and coexistence of our people. No politician should exploit the differences among Nigerians to gain an electoral advantage.

Whether such divisive tactics come from the opposition or the ruling party, they deserve to be rejected.

Nigeria is home to people of different ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, languages, and cultural traditions. These differences are not our weakness. They are part of our national identity.

The future of this country must never be determined by those who believe that setting one Nigerian against another is the easiest route to political power.

I firmly believe that millions of Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones understand the importance of national unity and will not willingly surrender their future to ethnic hatred, religious hostility, or political manipulation.

To those who believe that dividing Nigerians will deliver the presidency to them, I have a clear message: YOU UNDERESTIMATE THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE!

The fire of ethnic and religious hatred does not discriminate between those who ignite it and those who become its victims. Once allowed to spread, it can consume the very interests that initially sought to exploit it.

That is why responsible political leaders must choose the path of peace, patriotism, and national cohesion.

[b]MY FINAL MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS AHEAD OF 2027

Let us ask every presidential aspirant the hard questions.

Let us examine their records, scrutinise their promises, challenge their policies, and demand evidence to support their claims.

Let us refuse to be manipulated by political propaganda, ethnic sentiments, religious prejudice, or personality worship.

Let us remember that Nigeria is bigger than Atiku Abubakar, bigger than Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and bigger than every political party or individual seeking to occupy Aso Rock.

No politician owns Nigeria. No region has a monopoly on patriotism. No religion grants anyone an exclusive right to govern this country.

[/b]As we approach 2027, my position remains firm: Nigeria needs leadership that can unite its people, protect public resources, confront national challenges, and deliver measurable progress. Any aspirant seeking the highest office in the land must be prepared to prove that he or she is worthy of that responsibility.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar must be judged by his record, his policies, his answers to legitimate questions, and the credibility of his vision for Nigeria—not merely by his criticisms of President Tinubu.

And the same standard must apply to every other presidential aspirant, including the incumbent.

Our loyalty must ultimately be to Nigeria and the welfare of its people.

THE 2027 ELECTION MUST BE ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPETENCE, NATIONAL UNITY, AND THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY—not ethnic warfare, religious hostility, or the personal ambitions of political elites.

Nigeria will survive every politician who comes and goes. The real question is whether our politicians will rise above personal ambition and serve the people with the seriousness, honesty, and patriotism that our country deserves.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

Signed:

Honourable Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje
Disciples of Jagaban National Coordinator

I agree with the bolded assertation.

My final message to NIGERIANS with regards to the 2027 election is make your votes count!! Force a free and fair election, an election that all Nigerians can look back and say with some measure that it was free and fair. An election that the international observers and community can commend the government for holding.