Though, he doesn’t really like to go by any appellation, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku is a well-known Hajj Performer and Devoted Muslim, so we must oblige him the Respected Title.
This former Vice President of Nigeria under the regime of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is presently the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP).
Before we look at the possibilities ahead of him, it is important for us to remember that this is neither the first nor the second time that Abubakar Atiku is contesting for the Presidency of Nigeria.
As a matter of fact, Atiku has contested for Nigeria’s Presidency in a record 5 times and this present attempt is his 6th shot at the coveted crown. Abubakar Atiku contested in 1993, he contested again in 2007, again in 2011, again in 2015, and in 2019. When he first contested the Presidency in 1993, under the Social Democratic Party, he lost to MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe.
In the forthcoming Presidential election, Atiku’s major strength comes from the Northern Region. Since Mohammadu Buhari is not contesting the forthcoming election and no notable politician from the North, apart from Kwankwanso is contesting, whether we admit it or not, the coast is clear for Atiku to sweep the majority of the votes in the North.
The North is known for their primordial sentiments of voting along tribal and religious lines and there are no signs that this is about to change soon.
One of the greatest strengths of Atiku in this election is the fact that he is a highly connected and widely known Candidate. He has been in the National Political space for over 30years. And within this period, he has mixed and mingled with the high and the mighty in Nigeria and interacted with the most influential and established people of all shades and colours within and outside the political spheres, these are not things to be taken for granted.
Over the years, Atiku has formed all kinds of romantic dalliance and alliance with women from all parts of the country, especially the three major tribes. His first wife,Titilayo Alberts is Yoruba. He equally married Fatima and Princess Riqayyat from the North and Jennifer Iwenjora Douglas from the South East ( Though they recently divorced, but have three Children). He was also married to Ladi Yakubu but later got divorced.
In all, Abubakar Atiku has 28 Children and is still counting. Atiku is one man that is using his frolicking activities to further his political and business interests and it is working for him, hence he continues to search for more beautiful women from every part of the country.
But on a more serious note, if there is any politician in Nigeria today whose clout and influence cut across Geo-political and Religious boundaries, he is no other person than Abubakar Atiku. He is one Nigerian who can easily summon everyone, and all would be made to align without much side comments. It has to do with personal qura, aplomb and charisma. He is a man that is highly respected across the board. If he wants, he is a man that can order the kidnappers, militants, bandits, Boko Haram and agitators to stop and they will promptly obey, unless he decides not to do that.
There are very few people in this country who do not hold him in very high esteem, respect and reverence. His major strength is the fact that he has been at the centre of national politics for over 20 years. He is a man with great leadership experience, having been in the inner circle of power play at the highest level of governance in the country; he sure knows the intricacies and complexities associated with governing a volatile entity like Nigeria.
There is nothing anyone is going to teach him about governance. It will be up to him to decide whether or not to choose the path of honour or notoriety.
On the other hand, Atiku has his own excess baggage and luggages. His number one weakness is what many see as his desperate hunt for the Nigeria Presidency. What is a man who has contested for the Presidency up to five times still looking for? At his age and level, wise counsel demands that he should retire and focus on mentoring the younger generation.
Another weakness that Abubakar Atiku will have to contend with is his perceived and alleged corrupt tendencies. There are people who will swear that the man is very corrupt and unfit to rule a country like Nigeria that is on the brink of collapse as a result of corruption.
Among the people who have castigated him for his corrupt tendencies is the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for whom he worked as a Vice President for 8 years.
In his book titled ‘MY WATCH,’ Obasanjo has this to say about our subject matter: “What I did not know which came out glaringly later, was his parental background which was somewhat shadowy, his propensity to corruption, his tendency to disloyalty, his inability to stick to the truth all the time,a propensity for poor judgement, his belief and reliance on marabouts, his lack of transparency, his trust in money to buy his way out on all issues and his readiness to sacrifice morality, integrity, propriety, truth and national interest for self and selfish interest”. ‘MY WATCH’ By Olusegun Obasanjo, pages 31-32.
The above is the picture of Abubakar Atiku as painted by Obasanjo and that is the person we are about to hand over this great country to. A lot of people are of the opinion that such a character should be kept far away from the nation’s Presidency.
Sadly, Nigerians are likely to vote in this man as a result of his huge financial war chest and intimidating antecedents.
As the campaign for the 2023 General Election kicks off, these are the matters that will occupy the front burner. Should Nigeria be handed over to a firm and strong man like Atiku,who will be able to keep everyone in check and place everyone where he or she belongs, thereby ensuring the safety of life and property, albeit, having a corrupt tendency; according to Obasanjo, or should we look for someone else? ( Think about it)
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