A Vote For A Coalition Against Bad Government And Inept Leadership (2) -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

In my first essay under this title, I celebrated the emergence of the political coalition under the aegis of African Democratic Congress (ADC) that is formed by some of the nation’s political bigwigs with the aim of wrenching power from the destructive All Progressives Congress (APC) that is hell bent on destroying the gains of Nigeria’s nascent democracy. Like most concerned patriotic Nigerians, I pointed out that the move was patriotic and commendable. And, I went ahead to highlight some of the things that will make the new political party beat the APC at the polls come 2027.

As I observed, one of the most critical success factor will be the quality of the person fielded by the party as its presidential flag bearer. To be able to beat the APC at the polls, the party’s flag bearer should be a seasoned politician acquainted with the terrain of the nation’s political landscape; should be a statesman with patriotic zeal, a detribalized Nigerian that is generally accepted across the nation.

And in that regard, I identified His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, the former vice-president (1999-2007) as the ideal candidate with the clout to battle the All Progressives Congress’ Tinubu that is bent on self-succession. In the first place, Atiku is very experienced. In the politics of this era, nobody in the country now is as experienced and as qualified as Atiku. He has experience spanning almost forty years in partisan politics. He was among the political gladiators of the June 12 period. Out of sheer act of patriotism, he stepped down for MKO Abiola in build up to the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He was part of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) team that fought the military to restore democratic governance in the country in 1999. He was the key figure and the leader of the PDM, one of the legacy political groups that formed the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). In governance and administration, he is the most qualified having occupied one of the highest office in the country. Atiku’s versed experience in public service places him far ahead of the other contenders for the ADC’s leadership. His experience here means that he will be more able to device the right strategy to battle the hydra-headed APC regime. Many of the politicians occupying political offices in the country at present passed through Atiku’s tutelage and mentorship.

Without doubt, Atiku’s experience means that he has the clout and the capacity to contend with the APC regime for the most important office in the land. Thus, his candidacy will be an invaluable asset for the fledging ADC party.

Atiku is a dogged fighter who is always on the side of the masses and who is not afraid to tell truth to power. At the risk of his life and position, Atiku fought Abacha and went into exile in 90s. He fought to frustrate the OBJ’s self-succession third-term agenda and won many landmark legal battles in the process. He left the APC when he discovered that the party was anti-people and he has been championing the course for the restructuring of the country to make room for equity and peaceful co-existence. He has contested for the office of the president on three different occasions – 2007, 2019 and 2023. And many observers believe that he will clinch it this time.

Aside from experience, the former PDP standard bearer is generally accepted across every nook and cranny of the nation. He is liberal and detribalized. He understands that Nigerian is multi-cultural nation and this he tries to reflect in all his political associations.  As a leader, has followership in every nook and cranny of the country; the relationship he has cultivated over the years from his SDP, PDM, PDP, ACN days to date. This is why he is seen as a bridge-builder by his political allies and observers. Atiku’s. His leadership skills and his uncommon acts of philanthropy is one of the factors that endears him to many of his admirers.

Apart from the geographical spread of his supporters, Atiku has a good political base in his region (North) that usually produce the highest number of voters in the country. Atiku has the political structure that will work to ensure his electoral victory. Without the block vote from the North, no party will not be able to win a presidential election in the country. Atiku also, has a good support base in the East. And if this is properly harnessed, there will be victory for the ADC in the 2027 presidential election.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed 

hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com

An actress, social activist, politician

London, UK