PDP Official to Atiku – Prioritize Party Unity, Forget 2027 Presidency

By: Amaechi Okoro

The call for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step away from Nigeria’s political scene has resurfaced.

Comrade Richard Nwafor, the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has strongly urged Atiku to reconsider his presidential ambition for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Nwafor argued that the PDP should zone its presidential ticket to the southern part of Nigeria to foster equity and inclusivity in the party’s leadership.

Nwafor, addressing the press, stated, “Since the dinner in Yola, Adamawa State, I decided to keep mute and watch as it unfolds.

However, let it be very clear to those concerned that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a man I respect so much, should bury the idea of a 2027 presidential ambition and support a southerner instead of romancing Obi when the two of them couldn’t reach an agreement on or before the 2023 election.”

He further clarified that his stance was personal and did not reflect the collective position of his office. “Those close to His Excellency should relate my message to him because the 2027 presidential ticket needs to be zoned to the southern part of Nigeria despite all odds. We need fresh people to mount the podium of leadership in our great party (PDP),” he added.

Atiku Abubakar is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, known for his multiple bids to clinch the presidency. Born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, Adamawa State, Atiku began his political career in the early 1990s after a successful stint in the Nigerian Customs Service.

He first gained national prominence as the running mate to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during their two-term administration from 1999 to 2007.

As Vice President, Atiku was instrumental in spearheading several privatization policies and economic reforms.

However, his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and strained relations with President Obasanjo, which culminated in his defection from the PDP to other political platforms multiple times.

Over the years, Atiku has become synonymous with party-switching, having contested presidential elections on the platforms of the PDP, the Action Congress (AC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC) before returning to the PDP.

Atiku’s long-standing presence in Nigeria’s political landscape has been both influential and controversial.

While he is often praised for his resilience and ability to build political alliances, critics argue that his frequent party defections have contributed to the erosion of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics.

This tendency for political actors to prioritize personal ambition over party loyalty undermines the foundation of a strong democratic system.

Moreover, Atiku’s repeated bids for the presidency have been criticized for perpetuating a cycle of elite dominance, where the same individuals continuously vie for leadership positions, leaving little room for younger or more progressive candidates to emerge.

His dominance within the PDP and the resources at his disposal often overshadow the aspirations of other members, creating an uneven playing field.

During the 2023 presidential elections, Atiku’s loss to President Bola Tinubu highlighted the limitations of his political strategy, including his inability to forge a cohesive opposition against the ruling APC.

His rivalry with other prominent figures, such as Peter Obi, further fractured the opposition and weakened the PDP’s chances of reclaiming power at the federal level.

Critics also point to Atiku’s inability to connect effectively with the grassroots. His campaigns are often seen as elitist, focusing more on high-profile endorsements than addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.

This disconnect has alienated a significant portion of the electorate, particularly the youth, who increasingly demand leaders that resonate with their aspirations.

Additionally, Atiku’s tenure as Vice President continues to be scrutinized for its impact on public trust in government institutions.

The privatization policies he championed were controversial, with allegations of lack of transparency and favoritism.

These policies, while aimed at promoting efficiency, often led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, exacerbating inequality and fueling public discontent.

The renewed call for Atiku to step aside in 2027 reflects a broader sentiment within the PDP and Nigerian politics at large.

Many stakeholders believe it is time for a generational shift in leadership, with an emphasis on inclusivity and regional equity.

By zoning the presidential ticket to the South, the PDP could demonstrate its commitment to balancing power dynamics and addressing longstanding grievances within the party.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the debate over Atiku’s political future underscores the need for a more participatory and transparent democratic process.

Whether or not he heeds these calls remains to be seen, but the growing demand for fresh leadership is a clear indication that the electorate desires meaningful change.

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