Opinion
The Liability of Atiku’s Presidential Candidacy at Age 82: A Detriment to the PDP
By Suleiman Abbah
The Nigerian political landscape has witnessed the emergence of a new generation of leaders within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which is making former Vice President Atiku Abubakar uncomfortable.
The name Atiku Abubakar has become synonymous with consistent attempts to manipulate the leadership of his political party. He has had a long and controversial political career. Atiku’s political journey has been marked by frequent party switches, which raises questions about his commitment to any particular party’s ideology or principles. He has been a member of various political parties, including the PDP, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
One of the most significant instances of Atiku’s self-serving actions was his decision to leave the PDP and join the ACN in 2007 only to return to the PDP after losing the presidential poll. He then left the PDP the second time to the APC in 2013. At the time, the PDP was the ruling party, and Atiku’s move was widely seen as an opportunistic attempt to secure the presidential nomination for himself. Furthermore, Atiku’s subsequent return to the PDP in 2017 further deepened the disillusionment among party members. This move was seen by many as a calculated strategy to position himself as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2019 elections.
By switching parties once again, Atiku demonstrated a lack of loyalty and commitment to the PDP, leaving party members questioning his motives and integrity. This lack of consistency has contributed to the disillusionment of party members who seek leaders with unwavering dedication to the party’s cause.
Currently, Atiku is believed to be engaging in a plot to replace the sitting national chairman of the PDP with a stooge in addition to his confirmed connivance with APC in Adamawa State to dislodge the governor who is from the PDP.
There is also a confirmed plot by Atiku to undermine the PDP Governors Forum due to his fear and insecurity regarding the growing influence of the emerging new generation of PDP leaders, particularly Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. This move is a clear indication of Atiku’s fear and insecurity regarding his unquenchable thirst to run for the presidency, even at the age of eighty-two.
By attempting to impose his preferred candidate, Atiku is disregarding the voices and choices of party members, thereby undermining the democratic ideals that the PDP Governors Forum wants to uphold. His disregard for the voices and choices of party members has led him to undermine the democratic ideals that the PDP leadership and Governors Forum want to uphold.
In furtherance of this dubious destabilization agenda, Atiku has employed various tactics aimed at undermining the PDP, including unleashing attacks through his irresponsible US-based attack dog who spreads false information about PDP state governors, particularly Governor Bala of Bauchi.
It is worth noting that previous presidents have consistently included state governors, even those from opposition parties, in their delegations for international engagements. This practice has been instrumental in fostering unity and collaboration between the federal government and state governments. However, Atiku, uncomfortable with Governor Bala’s inclusion in President Tinubu’s delegation to the economic summit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has resorted to using his attack dog to undermine the governor’s credibility.
Atiku’s discontent arose after the Governors Forum and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership decided to adhere to constitutionalism by waiting until the national convention to elect new leaders, contrary to Atiku’s suggestion of removing the national chairman outside the constitutional framework.
By adhering to constitutionalism at a meeting convened by Atiku three months ago and their resolute stand on ensuring that leadership changes are based on a collective decision-making process, rather than the whims of a few influential individuals, the Governors earned the anger of Atiku.
Atiku’s suggestion to remove the national chairman outside the constitutional framework undermines the very essence of constitutionalism. It implies a disregard for established rules and procedures, potentially leading to a concentration of power in the hands of a select few.
His second grouse with the governors resulted from the governors’ refusal of his request for huge sums of money to bankroll his case at the Appeal Court. The governors pointed out the burden each of them had to bear in supporting the party in their respective states in respect of.
It is essential at this point to question motives and contributions to the PDP. Has he provided any financial assistance to the governors during their campaigns? Has he contributed to the financing of PDP activities? These questions need to be addressed to expose Atiku’s true intentions and highlight his chronic penchant for seeking to impose himself as a presidential candidate for various parties he has switched to.
It is puzzling why Atiku would choose to engage in unnecessary, unfounded, baseless and illogical confrontations with state governors from his own party, the PDP even when none of them, not even his main target, Bala Mohammed, have indicated any interest in seeking the presidency and have not posed any threat to his presidential ambition.
It is as well puzzling that Atiku, driven by primitive vendetta should extend his witchhunt to singling out President Tinubu for attacks and irreverent treatment using those fugitive attack dogs hibernating in the diaspora.
It is important for Atiku to acknowledge that actions have consequences and to recognize that he and his supporters do not possess a monopoly on rascality and dirty games.
Atiku and his supporters may believe that they can act irresponsibly without facing any repercussions, but this is far from the truth. In the fullness of time, their actions will be scrutinized, and they will be held accountable for their irresponsibility.
The PDP state governors must also stand united and resist his attempts to cause disunity among them. It is crucial for them to prioritize the collective interest of the people and work collaboratively with the federal government to secure the dividends of democracy, regardless of party affiliations. The elections are over, and disputes have been resolved by the courts. It is time to move forward and focus on delivering good governance to the Nigerian people.
His insistence on running for Nigeria’s presidency at the age of 82 poses significant liabilities to the PDP. The potential drawbacks associated with his candidacy, including diminished physical and mental capacity, a disconnect from the youth demographic, a perception of stagnation, and the potential for intra-party conflicts, can undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
Furthermore, the country has witnessed a growing demand for generational change and a shift away from the traditional political elite. Younger, more dynamic candidates have emerged, capturing the imagination of the electorate with their fresh ideas and innovative approaches. Atiku, on the other hand, represents the old guard of Nigerian politics, and his desperation for power is seen by many as a desperate attempt to cling to the past.
Despite Atiku’s name becoming synonymous with ambition and a relentless pursuit of the presidency, it is evident that he has lost relevance to the public and is unlikely to lead the PDP to victory in any election.
One of the primary reasons why Atiku’s desperation for the presidency has lost relevance is his controversial past. Atiku has been embroiled in numerous corruption scandals, which have tarnished his reputation and eroded public trust. From allegations of embezzlement during his tenure as Vice President to his involvement in questionable business dealings, Atiku’s past has become a liability rather than an asset.
Another factor contributing to the irrelevance of Atiku’s desperation for the presidency is his lack of a clear vision for the country. While he has made promises and outlined policy proposals, Atiku has failed to articulate a comprehensive and coherent plan for addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. Voters are looking for leaders who can provide concrete solutions to issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic stagnation. Atiku’s vague and often contradictory statements have left many questioning his ability to lead effectively. Without a compelling vision, his desperation for the presidency appears hollow and disconnected from the needs of the Nigerian people.
In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar’s desperation to run for the presidency has lost relevance to the public and is unlikely to lead the PDP to victory. His controversial past, lack of a clear vision, and the changing political landscape in Nigeria have all contributed to his diminishing appeal. To regain relevance, Atiku must address the concerns surrounding his integrity, articulate a compelling vision for the country, and demonstrate an ability to adapt to the evolving political climate. Otherwise, his desperation for power will continue to fall on deaf ears, leaving him far from the presidency he so fervently desires.
To remain competitive and relevant, the PDP should consider promoting younger, dynamic candidates who can resonate with the aspirations of Nigeria’s diverse population and offer fresh ideas for the nation’s progress.
Meanwhile, Atiku and his attack dogs must realize that their rascality does not hold a monopoly, and anyone can be clumsy if they choose to be.
There is something common in politics and with Politicians in this clime, it stems from the arrogance of power, it stinks to high heavens, it is shit in its worst form; that a few men and women play God, they assume that their egocentric predilections represent the collective will, and they undermine the Law as well as the mindset of the electorate. They move to Party B with the mandate given to Party A by the People. And they Cross-carpet or decamp to another Party without deference to the provisions of the Law.
Just yesterday the entire Political Structure in my home State of Delta was led by the State Governor Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC, that tsunami of sorts happened without firm reasons but the usual refrain that ‘they want to align with the centre for more democratic dividends to come to the State’. I wouldn’t have opted to do this piece had the All Progressive Congress APC made great feats of the States under its watch, alas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and his followers are masters of deceit, subterfuge and perfidy. They spew soulless propaganda, having no soul they lack moral margins, they lie about everything and they destroy the moral fabrics of our nation. They are shameless, spineless and have no scruples.
Where is the Soul of the men of power who dumped the PDP just yesterday for the APC in Delta State? They have chosen to stand on a Blood Stained Mandate. They have elected a Hunger ridden mandate. They have chosen a corruption riddled mandate. They laud an insecurity enabling mandate. They salute a nepotistic mandate. And they dance to a frustration festering mandate. Had the PBAT led APC at the Centre made Nigeria better than it met her, I would applaud Governor Sheriff and his fellow travelers, but the truth is what consistently the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his men have chosen to trample upon, nay the Truth is that under the PBAT led APC Government, Nigeria is today worse than it was yesterday.
What logic situates the movement of the Delta State Political Structures from the PDP to the APC at a time when Nigerians feel the most unsafe in their homeland? When the States of Plateau, Benue and Bornu have become theatres of human barbecues. Is it not stupidity to elect a blood stained and a blood soaked mandate over being in a Party in the opposition?
Is it not a show of shame to elect a mandate that has left the masses of the people in poverty, despondency and want over fueling the fervour of an opposition seeking a new deal and a new Republic of hope for the people? Which sincere and people oriented leader would dump the opposition for a Party that is absolutely rudderless and progressively multiplying poverty? Only the soulless and the shameless, surely.
The fulminating shenanigans that undermine the monstrous corruption of the APC Government, the unending Infrastructural decay, the unhinged failure of the energy and the power sector, the pervasive hunger, disease and pain in the land, and the murderous gangs killing and maiming citizens with reckless abandon defines the Olympic soullessness of the Delta State Political Merchants who have elected a Blood Stained Mandate over matching for the redemption of Nigeria.
I believe that it is manifest stupidity to desert the opposition at a time that our nation is in dire straits and badly craving vibrant opposition. I believe that it is a show of shame to decamp to a Party and a Government that has failed to protect lives and property.
And I hereby lampoon with unbridled vehemence all those who have chosen to stand on the blood stained and blood soaked mandate that PBAT epitomizes.
Hmmm, so suddenly my home State is now APC, interesting. A class of less than 300 people nay ‘leaders’ met at the Government House in Asaba, and in one fell swoop changed the political colour, temperature and identity of the State, interesting. My People, this One-Party State wey APC and PBAT dey push and pursue na to what end? PBAT and his Party the APC through this manifest antics of State capture have tied democracy to the stake, and are daily through acts of impunity, lawlessness, and braggadocio shooting violently at democracy, I pray they do not shoot this jingleover democracy to death. I pray that they understand that One Party State is the precursor to Authoritarian Rule and Dictatorship. And I pray that they are not oblivious of the politico-social tendencies of the Nigerian State, a State that cannot and has never been captured by any one tendency. In any case, before they completely murder democracy, it must be on record that someone warned against the Stupidity, against the Show of Shame and against the Shenanigans of our Political Operators.
Call me names, but let it be on record that when the elders and the hoard of egotistic political merchants that predominate our political kaleidoscope fiddled with the poisoned chalice of sycophancy and hypocrisy, I wasn’t quiet. Let it be on record that when they ate poisoned bread baked with blood stained and blood soaked mandate, and when they chose to dance on the tombs of the dead across our space who were unlived because government failed to protect them, that someone called out the discerning, and warned against the omnious times that they make certain.
The sequel to this patriotic effort shall most certainly tell more, reveal more and foretell the pitfalls that a most arrogant and self-seeking political class weave in the path of our ‘democracy’. We have got some difficult days and difficult times ahead.
Call me the Wailer, that’s ok, for I Wail that Nigeria may become Great.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.
It was the famous American former President, Abraham Lincoln who noted that the people when rightly and fully trusted will return the trust.
Thus, when the trust level gets high enough, people exceed apparent limits, discovering new and awesome abilities of which they were formerly unaware.
When trust is placed on those who occupy public office, they need to work had to continue to justify the trust in the people they preside over.Appointment into office is premised on the facts that the appointee is capable and will be of immense values to the realization of the aspirations of the government in power.
Thus, with the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into office, series of strategic appointment of respected and credible niger9ians were made thereafter.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had the qualities of appointing the right people in the right position, having judged their qualification and capabilities. This is a unique ability which good leaders to possess in abundance.
It was this sense of judgement that made him to appoint Chief Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola CON as the current minister of Marine and Blue Economy.He was the former chief of Staff to the former Governor of Osun State and later became the governor of the state.
Whereby he displayed integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. This role allowed him to exhibit his administrative shrewdness and dedication to the advancement of the state.
During this time, he played a critical role in implementing policies and initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure.He was later appointed minister of transportation by President Bola Tinubu on 16 August 2023, but redeployed four days later to the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Despite the newness of the ministry, his leadership abilities and acumen as well as his professional qualification eminently qualifies him for the arduous job, for he pursued his education with diligence, earning a degree in Applied Accounting from the prestigious University of Lagos.
With a passion for learning and a keen eye for effective management, he embarked on a career that would see him excel in various sectors.
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
European Commission defines it as “All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts, the realization that Nigeria has vast ocean ecosystem justifies the creation of the ministry.
The ministry’s four action pillars for its first four years (2023–2027) are: promoting sustainable blue economy investments; transforming port operations; enhancing port infrastructure; and strengthening blue governance.
Under Oyetola’s leadership, the ministry targets attracting $2 billion in investments in offshore renewable energy by 2025; establishing at least five new fish processing plants by 2025 and at least two new coastal tourism sites by 2026; and creating three million marine and blue economy-related jobs by 2027.
The importance of this ministry lies in the fact that the life of the planet and correct functioning of ecosystem services are sustained by marine ecosystems.
The blue economy thus has the potential to achieve a sustainable development which does not compromise life on Earth tomorrow.
Thus, his appointment eminently justifies and in line with the aspiration s to make Nigeria a great nation.His achievements in office are attributed to maritime security and safety, port operational efficiency, infrastructure rehabilitation, connectivity and blue economy development.
The Minister, who unfolds the strategic plans of the Ministry and the Agencies which would focus on maritime security, safety, ship building & maintenance, maritime governance, port infrastructure rehabilitation, capacity building, among others.
Under his leadership, the Nigeria’s territorial waters became safer especially in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) in the past one year, with the maritime sector recorded zero incidence of piracy and maritime terrorism for more than one year.
Ports were upgraded and his ministry worked assiduously to actualize the implementation of the National Single Window at the nation’s ports to facilitate trade and competitiveness of country’s port system.
The value his outstanding leadership will also impact on the acceptability and reelection of the present administration in 2027.
We Commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the confidence reposed in and the subsequent Appointment of Chief Gboyega Oyetola as the Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy.
He is honest and transparent in his stronger determination to reposition the sector as the leading source of revenue to the country and will surely do more based on his past robust antecedents. We thus call on all Nigerians to support his vision and pragmatic leadership in the office, so as to enable impact the lives of many more citizens of the country.
Dr K.M.Tugga is an Abuja resident and public affairs commentator
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.