Atiku’s Continued Presidential Aspirations Blamed for Tinubu’s Victory, Calls for Mentorship Role
In a New Year message, Abuja-based rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called on the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to gracefully exit politics and take up the mantle of mentoring young politicians. Adeyanju asserts that Atiku’s insistence on contesting for the presidency in 2023 contributed to Bola Tinubu’s ascendancy to the presidency.
Adeyanju’s message acknowledges Atiku’s substantial contributions to shaping Nigerian democracy over three decades but urges him to transition into a mentoring role for the younger generation of politicians.
The activist contends that the 2023 elections presented Atiku with his best opportunity to secure the Nigerian presidency, with favorable circumstances working in his favor. However, Adeyanju attributes Atiku’s defeat to factors such as arrogance, inadequate human relationships, an inability to manage opposition within the party, and other lesser-known elements.
According to Adeyanju, Atiku’s role in the division within the opposition allowed President Tinubu to secure victory with the slimmest margin in recent democratic elections. He criticizes Atiku for failing to support key figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso or unite the opposition under one platform. Adeyanju emphasizes that a united front could have altered the election results.
Calling on Atiku to withdraw his intention to run in the 2027 presidential elections, Adeyanju asserts that Atiku is not the sole politician in Nigeria and should make way for younger generations. He advocates for Atiku to leave a legacy of uniting the opposition and supporting a younger politician for the presidency.
Adeyanju likens Atiku to Moses, urging him to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Nigerian politics through mentorship. He emphasizes the need for the opposition to collaborate and present a united front in 2027 with a younger candidate. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Atiku’s response to these calls will likely be closely watched by both supporters and critics