By Kunle Oshobi
In Nigerian politics, truth is frequently sacrificed on the altar of political ambition. For over two decades, Atiku Abubakar—former Vice President and one of the founding fathers of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic—has been targeted by relentless corruption allegations. Yet, despite years of intense scrutiny, changing administrations, and investigations by state security apparatuses, Atiku Abubakar has never been convicted of any financial impropriety by any court of law, in Nigeria or abroad.
Now, the veil behind these persistent narratives has been lifted from the very inside.
- The APC Insider’s Confession: Fabrications Born of Fear
In a candid disclosure, a leading member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) privately confessed what many critical observers have long suspected: the party’s hierarchy and political adversaries know that Atiku Abubakar is not corrupt.
The insider revealed that multiple internal and state-level inquiries were conducted over the years to find actionable evidence against Atiku. Each time, investigators came up empty-handed. Rather than discovering wrongdoing, these probes confirmed that the allegations were almost entirely insinuations, political fabrications, and coordinated smear campaigns designed to damage his standing with the electorate.
Even the widely cited criticisms penned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his memoirs stemmed from a personal and political vendetta—born directly out of Atiku’s courageous role in scuttling Obasanjo’s unconstitutional “Third Term Agenda” to defend Nigeria’s democracy. - A Track Record of Proven Economic Mastery (1999–2007)
While his opponents spent decades orchestrating character assassinations, Atiku Abubakar was busy architecting the structural reforms that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
As Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) and head of the Economic Management Team during the Obasanjo-Atiku administration, Atiku led Nigeria’s most successful economic era:
- The Telecoms Revolution: Under his direct supervision, the transparent auctioning of GSM licenses transformed communications, generated millions of jobs, and established a multi-billion-dollar digital economy.
- Institutional & Banking Reforms: He spearheaded the creation of vital anti-corruption and fiscal institutions—including the EFCC, ICPC, and the Debt Management Office (DMO)—which eventually enabled Nigeria to secure its historic Paris Club debt relief.
- Africa’s Fastest-Growing Economy: During this era of reform, Nigeria recorded consistent annual GDP growth rates exceeding 6–7%, earning the status of the fastest-growing economy in Africa and attracting unprecedented levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
- Why Supporting Atiku is in Our Collective Self-Interest
Nigeria today faces daunting economic headwinds, mounting debt burdens, and declining living standards. Reversing this trajectory requires proven competence, deep private-sector insight, and demonstrated vision—qualities Atiku Abubakar has displayed consistently as a leader and entrepreneur.ATIKU'S CORE ECONOMIC PILLARS FOR NIGERIA
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. Deregulation & Public-Private Partnerships │
│ 2. Job Creation via Industrialization & Tech │
│ 3. Institutional Restructuring & Fiscal Prudence │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Supporting Atiku Abubakar is not merely a political preference; it is a matter of enlightened self-interest for every Nigerian:
- A Tested Economic Manager: Unlike inexperienced theorists, Atiku has a concrete, verifiable track record of driving national growth and creating wealth.
- A National Unifier: Atiku’s vast network across every geopolitical zone makes him uniquely qualified to heal regional divides and stabilize the nation.
- A Champion of True Restructuring: He remains one of the most consistent voices advocating for the devolution of powers, local security control, and regional economic empowerment.
Conclusion
Political smears only work when propaganda is allowed to obscure reality. As the confession from within the ruling party confirms, the allegations against Atiku Abubakar are unfounded weapons used by political adversaries afraid of his capacity to lead. For Nigerians seeking sustainable growth, security, and institutional integrity, standing behind Atiku’s proven leadership is the clearest path forward.
Kunle Oshobi is The Head of Planning and Strategy, and Chairman Narrative Command of The Narrative Force
