The emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate has become a topic of debate for many political analysts. Atiku clinched the party ticket after a close contest with Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State. Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, a few weeks ago emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Adamawa born politician defeated 12 other candidates in a keenly contested presidential primary held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Of the 764 accredited ballots at the election, Mr Abubakar polled 371 votes while his closest challenger, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, came second with 237 votes. There have been debates on social media, radio stations, print media, and public spaces concerning his (Atiku) chances against another contestant, especially the APC candidate who is yet to be known.
Many of these political analysts think that it is only Bola Ahmed Tinubu that can be able to stand toe to toe with Atiku during the general Presidential election. Why people on social media believe Tinubu is the only one who can match him in all angles. Many have given different reasons for their claims despite his unsuccessful attempts in the past.
Since he entered politics in 1993, Atiku Abubakar has unsuccessfully contested five times for the Office of President of Nigeria in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019. He will also be slogging it out for the 6th time record in the 2023 election. Below are 10 factors that will help Atiku in the coming presidential election against his opponents.
Atiku’s connection with the north is a massive advantage. The north candidate would always appeal to the people of the north and it has been said over and over that a Fulani man will be favoured ahead of other candidates from another zone. Both Hausa and Fulani would always be favoured by other candidates who emerged from another part of the country when it is time to vote for one candidate. It is a known fact that the north has the majority of the vote and they have been using this to their advantage.
One of the strengths of Atiku is the experience he’s gathered over the years. Don’t forget he was the former Vice President for 8 years under Obasanjo. He still enjoys some of the privileges he enjoyed during his time as VP. He is well connected; he knew who and who in the game of politics. This is one factor that will work in his favour as the general elections approach. Another factor that will work for Atiku is the connection he has around the country. He was married to an Igbo woman, which is an added advantage, although they are no longer together.
Atiku Abubakar is also married to a Yoruba woman from the South-West of the country. Many have even said this is deliberate to help him navigate through the length and breadth of the country. Amina Titilayo Atiku-Abubakar is one of the wives of former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar. She is an advocate of women and child rights, the founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) and the initiator of the private bill that led to the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
This will help the former VP to penetrate the length and breadth of Nigeria and it will also put him ahead of other contestants.
Another big factor that will work for him is his big budget. Only a few politicians can compete for toe to toe with him when it comes to fart budget. He’s one of the richest politicians in Nigerians today. If you are talking about politicians who can spend billions on election to get his desired result, Atiku Abubakar is one of the few men in Nigeria who can risk it all. He had done it in the past and he has also determined to do it again in 2023 general elections.
Another big factor that will work in favour of Atiku is that, he’s familiar with the owners of Nigeria. Talk of big wigs who determine the next President of Nigeria, Atiku is familiar with them and he shares a cordial relationship with many of them. These are men who sit and discuss those who should be favoured in the scheme of things. These men are so powerful and influential that they decide the outcome of any political exercise. Some of them includes;
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, General Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon, General Theophilus Danjuma are some of the few men who control the scheme of things in Nigeria. These men are familiar with Atiku Abubakar unlike other contestants, especially from the South. What will also work for Atiku is that, he will not be running against the incumbent. Though, the incumbent may likely have a successor he’s backing. The successor will not definitely possess the power of the current president. He (Atiku) will be contesting against a candidate outside of government.
Another reason or factor is that, a lot of people have come out to rubbish the current political party, APC for how they handle Nigeria’s economy, security and corruption. It hasn’t been this worse under the PDP. The name APC is not sellable as the PDP.
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