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History does not change because some people are uncomfortable with it. Anyone who truly knows Nigeria’s political journey will agree on one thing: Atiku Abubakar is not a desperate politician.
Yes, people may choose to label him desperate because he has remained consistent in pursuing his ambition over the years, but there is a clear difference between consistency and desperation. Atiku has never chased power through violence, thuggery, or insults. He has never sponsored abuse, nor encouraged the use of unknown faces or proxies to threaten, curse, or wish harm on others in the name of politics. His pursuit has always been within the bounds of democracy, dialogue, and respect.
During the SDP presidential primaries before the June 12, 1993 election, Atiku stepped down for MKO Abiola so the party could move forward as one. That decision was based on a clear understanding within the SDP leadership, reached with the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, that Abiola would pick Atiku as his running mate. When Abiola later went against that agreement and chose Babagana Kingibe instead, Atiku did not fight the party or work against the ticket. He stayed loyal, campaigned across the country, and played his role in securing what remains Nigeria’s freest and fairest election before it was wrongly annulled.
In fact, those who can recall will remember that as President Obasanjo was rounding off his first term, Atiku enjoyed the support and backing of a majority of governors, senators, ministers, and other key political actors who openly encouraged him to contest against Obasanjo. But Atiku was not desperate. He rejected that move and reassured his loyalty to his principal, President Obasanjo. A desperate politician would not turn down such an offer.
Today, we are seeing politicians turn against the very people who helped make them politically, all in the name of power. That is desperation. Atiku, however, is a different breed.
Over the years, one thing has remained constant about Atiku: he does not force people to support him. As a democrat, he believes people should move based on conviction, not pressure. Many have passed through his camp and moved on, yet he has never spoken tough about it or tried to claim ownership of any support he gave them, whether political goodwill, financial backing, or otherwise. That is his style, and it has not changed.
Let us be honest, this is not about noise or social media pressure. Whether Atiku becomes president or not, he has paid his dues in Nigerian politics through years of sacrifice, consistency, and service. I see no any polician that can match his class in Nigeria today.
On the issue of running again, the matter is straightforward. As long as his age and health permit, 2027 is locked. Those asking him to step down or not contest have not shown they are better than him in experience, nor does he use their money to run for office. It remains his constitutional right to contest for any position he is qualified for, provided he has the support and goodwill of Nigerians.
As for whether Atiku and Obi will sort things out and run together, that is a discussion for another day. No amount of ranting or weak narratives being pushed by some Obidients and agents of Tinubu will change that.
Wailers can continue wailing.
It has never moved Atiku.
Sunday Joseph.
SB E-news.
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