Waziri Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has launched his seventh presidential campaign, marking a historic and controversial chapter in the nation’s political landscape. Over the past 33 years, Atiku has contested the presidency six times, each attempt ending in defeat. His latest bid, as the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has reignited debates about his political legacy, alleged corruption, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability. The campaign has also drawn comparisons to Abdoulaye Wade, the Senegalese leader who won his fifth presidential bid after multiple failures, though Atiku’s record of repeated setbacks has raised doubts about his viability as a national leader.
Atiku’s political journey began in 1993 when he contested the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries, losing to M.K.O. Abiola. His first general election campaign came in 2007 as the Action Congress (AC) candidate, where he finished third behind Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari. In 2011, he lost the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primaries to then-incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. His 2015 bid as the PDP candidate ended in defeat to Buhari, and he again lost in 2019 and 2023, this time to Bola Tinubu. Each campaign has been marked by shifting allegiances, with Atiku having been a member of seven political parties since entering politics in 1991, including the PDP, which he left and rejoined twice. This pattern of party-hopping has led critics to describe him as a “political wanderer,” prioritizing personal ambition over party loyalty.
The article highlights Atiku’s 2003 rebellion against then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, his running mate, as a pivotal moment in his career. Atiku allegedly withheld campaign funds raised from private donors, including a wealthy Kano businessman, to blackmail Obasanjo and undermine his bid for re-election. This betrayal, described as “Luciferian rebellion,” was thwarted by a coalition of political figures, including Femi Fani-Kayode, who led efforts to hold Atiku accountable. Despite the fallout, Obasanjo did not drop Atiku as his running mate, and the pair was elected in 2003. However, the tension between them escalated during Obasanjo’s second term, with Atiku’s actions leading to a power struggle that left a lasting mark on his political reputation.
Fani-Kayode, a former Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Culture and Tourism, recounts how Atiku’s actions during his vice presidency were characterized by “perfect hatred” toward Obasanjo. Atiku’s alleged attempts to destabilize the government and his refusal to attend cabinet meetings after being reprimanded by the president underscored his divisive leadership style. The article also notes Atiku’s role in the fragmentation of the PDP, which he is credited with weakening through internal strife, ultimately leading to its decline as Nigeria’s dominant political party.
The piece draws parallels between Atiku and Abdoulaye Wade, the Senegalese leader who won the presidency after five failed attempts. However, Fani-Kayode argues that Atiku lacks Wade’s “sincerity of purpose, courage, and patriotism,” instead portraying him as a “transactional and pragmatic businessman” more interested in personal gain than national service. The author criticizes Atiku’s alleged corruption, citing cases such as the Mambilla Power Plant scandal, the Siemens and Halliburton contracts, and the Leno Adesanya power plant bribery allegations. While these cases have not resulted in Nigerian convictions, they have left a “paper trail” in foreign regulatory records, raising concerns about accountability.
Atiku’s 2027 campaign has also drawn attention for his alleged use of a foreign public relations firm to discredit President Bola Tinubu, a move Fani-Kayode condemns as “unacceptable.” The article notes that Atiku has paid $1.2 million to a U.S.-based firm led by a “shady character” to “denigrate, undermine, and destroy” Tinubu in international media. This strategy, the author argues, reflects a desperation that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The article also highlights Atiku’s alleged plan to restore oil subsidies, a policy Fani-Kayode calls “disastrous” for Nigeria’s economy. The author warns that such a move would reverse recent economic gains and exacerbate the country’s fiscal challenges. This stance, combined with Atiku’s history of political instability, has led to speculation that his seventh bid is driven more by personal ambition than a genuine commitment to national development.
Fani-Kayode further criticizes Atiku’s sectionalism, arguing that his actions have consistently opposed the idea of a power shift to the South. The author points to Atiku’s 2011 challenge to Goodluck Jonathan, his 2015 support for the coalition that ousted Jonathan, and his 2023 campaign against Tinubu and Peter Obi as evidence of his “sectional outlook.” This, the article suggests, reflects a lack of national unity and a prioritization of regional interests over the broader good.
The piece also details Atiku’s role in fracturing political parties, including the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Fani-Kayode notes that Atiku’s actions have led to the splintering of these parties, with the PDP’s decline and the formation of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) as a direct result. This pattern of division, the author argues, has left a legacy of chaos and instability in Nigerian politics.
Atiku’s 2027 campaign has been marked by a lack of clear policy proposals, with the author suggesting that his focus remains on personal ambition rather than addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. The article emphasizes that Atiku’s repeated failures and alleged misconduct have eroded public trust, making his seventh bid a test of both his political resilience and the electorate’s willingness to support a candidate with a controversial record.
Fani-Kayode concludes by asserting that Atiku’s seventh bid is unlikely to succeed, citing historical and statistical evidence. The author predicts that Atiku will be defeated by his “old friend and arch-nemesis” in the 2027 election, urging him to “retire in peace” after a career defined by “chaos and destruction.” The piece ends with a call for Nigerian voters to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions, emphasizing the need for leaders who embody integrity and a commitment to the country’s future.
The article underscores the broader implications of Atiku’s political career for Nigeria’s democratic development. His repeated failures and alleged misconduct raise questions about the accountability of political leaders and the need for institutional reforms to prevent the erosion of public trust. The piece also highlights the challenges of maintaining party unity and the risks of political fragmentation, which can weaken the effectiveness of governance and policy implementation.
Atiku’s seventh bid has sparked a national conversation about the qualities required of a presidential candidate. The article argues that leadership should be measured by a commitment to national unity, ethical governance, and the well-being of the people, rather than personal ambition. This perspective is particularly relevant in a country where political instability and corruption have long been persistent challenges.
The author’s critique of Atiku is rooted in his personal experiences and observations, including his role as a minister during Obasanjo’s administration. Fani-Kayode’s account provides a firsthand perspective on the internal struggles within the PDP and the broader political landscape, offering insights into the dynamics that have shaped Nigeria’s political history.
The article also touches on the role of media and public perception in shaping political narratives. Atiku’s use of foreign PR firms to influence international opinion reflects a growing trend of leveraging external platforms to sway domestic politics, a strategy that raises concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Fani-Kayode’s piece serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political obsession and the importance of accountability. By highlighting Atiku’s record of failure and alleged misconduct, the article calls for a reevaluation of the values that should guide Nigeria’s political leadership. The author’s conclusion that Atiku’s ambition is “divinely injunctioned” adds a moral dimension to the discussion, suggesting that his continued pursuit of power may ultimately lead to his downfall.
The article’s publication in Premium Times, a prominent Nigerian news outlet, underscores its significance in shaping public discourse on Nigeria’s political challenges. Fani-Kayode’s credentials as a former minister and legal practitioner lend credibility to his analysis, providing a nuanced perspective on the complexities of Nigerian politics. The piece’s detailed account of Atiku’s career and the broader implications for the nation’s democratic future makes it a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about leadership and governance in Nigeria.
The final paragraph reiterates the author’s prediction of Atiku’s defeat in 2027, emphasizing the need for a leader who prioritizes the nation’s interests over personal gain. Fani-Kayode’s closing remarks reflect a broader hope for a political landscape defined by integrity, unity, and a commitment to the people’s welfare, rather than the self-serving ambitions of individual candidates.