Senator Ehigie Uzamere
Atiku Abubakar stepped aside in the historic 1993 presidential race in support of MKO Abiola. Although he was widely considered for the position of vice presidential running mate, Chief Abiola chose another candidate. Nevertheless, Atiku remained steadfast and gave his full backing throughout the election.
In 2003, Atiku Abubakar made another defining decision. Despite encouragement from governors of the Peoples’ Democratic Party to challenge his principal, Olusegun Obasanjo, during the party primaries, he declined. Rather than contest against his own boss, he chose loyalty and stability within the party.
Years later, Atiku contested against Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential primaries of the All Progressives’ Congress. After losing the ticket to Buhari, he again demonstrated loyalty by supporting him through to victory in the general election.
These moments collectively reflect the character and political philosophy of Atiku Abubakar. Character shaped by sacrifice, restraint, and commitment to party unity. They help explain why, as the 2027 elections approach, he may be unwilling to step aside for any candidate. In his view, he has paid his dues over decades of political engagement. This is the essence of what Atiku Abubakar is made of.
Beyond these notable instances, Atiku’s political trajectory has been defined by persistence and resilience in the face of shifting alliances and evolving party structures. He has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s democratic process, consistently positioning himself as a contender while navigating the complexities of coalition building, internal party negotiations, and national expectations.
Furthermore, his long-standing involvement in national politics, presents him another chance to run for the highest office, not merely as a personal ambition but as an opportunity to give the nation leadership based on years of deep study of the country, well researched, and documented antidote to developmental stagnation the country faces. For his supporters, this reinforces the argument that stepping down in 2027 would contradict a lifetime of calculated political sacrifices and unwavering participation in Nigeria’s democratic journey and his readiness to serve.
One is yet to be given cogent reasons for the call for Atiku Abubakar to step down. If it is because of age, he is sound in mind and physically fit. If it is acceptance, the fact that his teeming supporters are calm, respectful and not loud does not mean he does not have a large following. If it is the emotional blackmail by some from the South East, of the South East not having produced a president, the North East where he comes from and the North Central have not produced a president either.
If it is on the premise of zoning, zoning is not in the constitution of the ADC. And what is the guarantee that any assumed entitled candidate from the South East will win the election. Politics of stepping down and alignments are done behind the scenes. They are not orchestrated by a rabid set of abusive and wild followers. One wonders then, why all the noise while the assumed beneficiary pretends he is not desperate.
What is of paramount importance today is for leaders in ADC to do their behind-the-scenes politics while their supporters band together for the formidable task ahead.
Senator Ehigie Uzamere
