Former Nigerian vice president and Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has been cautioned, in view of the 2027 presidential election, to stop listening to motivational speakers, including marabouts, at this stage of his most eventful life, and support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition.
Former The Guardian editor and Nigerian Tribune columnist, Abraham Ogbodo, stated this through his recent column article titled ‘Coalition presidential ticket: Open letter to Atiku Abubakar’.
The columnist noted that since 1993, the majority of Nigerians have been saying no to Atiku’s quest to become a democratically elected president, which, he added, is a way of saying that God has held back His endorsement of the former vice president’s presidential quest.
“I would not know, in any case, why God is refusing to be convinced about you. In 2027, you will be 81 years old. You are clearly in your twilight and should be taking stock and not high stakes.
“Motivational speakers would say it is never too late to dream. Agreed! But when octogenarians dream big dreams too often, they could easily end up in permanent sleep. In fact, stop listening to motivational speakers, including roaming marabouts from the Sahel, at this stage of your most eventful life. They talk too much and anyhow too,” he cautioned Atiku.
Ogbodo emphasised that Atiku does not have to be president of Nigeria to garner additional points. He stated that the former vice president is accomplished in every department of life, far more accomplished than many former presidents of Nigeria.
Ogbodo further stated that Atiku is courting the headlines again for the wrong reasons, that his intentions of running for president in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform do not sound inspiring.
He noted that the essence of the ADC coalition was to make 2027 impossible for President Bola Tinubu, and that trying to leverage the coalition for his presidential bid would be yet another misadventure for the former vice president.
Still on the ADC collation, Ogbodo noted that the sentiments lie with Peter Obi, and not Atiku, stressing that the best way to do so is to support a winning or formidable formula for the ADC coalition, adding that, for now, that formula is Peter Obi.
The columnist advised Atiku to use everything about him to rally the coalition behind Peter Obi in 2027, adding, “That way, you would be justified by deeds and faith, and not necessarily by direct benefits. It is the most beautiful anchor point for all your democratic struggles.”
