Political Issues
Atiku Abubakar: Unifier? -By Kamal Alkasim
Atiku faces a tough road ahead. He must navigate the complex negotiations with Obi, Kwankwaso, and other influential figures while simultaneously overcoming internal party divisions. Ultimately, his success in securing the presidential candidacy and uniting the disparate political forces will be the true test of his unifying credentials.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and perennial presidential candidate, has long styled himself as the “Unifier” of Nigeria.Yet, recent events raise questions about his ability to live up to this label.
Internal Divisions and G5 Exodus:
Atiku’s own party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been plagued by internal divisions. The G5 group of five aggrieved governors, led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, have publicly parted ways with Atiku and the party leadership. This exodus has significantly weakened the PDP’s chances in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Lost Allies and the Rise of New Political Alliances:
Further complicating the picture, two major figures who ran for president in 2023, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have left the PDP. These departures have deprived Atiku of potential allies and created a new political landscape with the emergence of a potential merger between the PDP,Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party.
Unifying Action Needed:
While the details of this potential merger remain unclear, it presents a fresh challenge for Atiku. Should the merger materialize, it will demand exceptional unifying skills to navigate the competing ambitions of Obi, Kwankwaso, and other stakeholders within the new entity.
Unification Through Action, Not Words:
The question remains: when will Atiku be a “verified Unifier”? While words are persuasive, it is concrete action that will ultimately determine his ability to bring together disparate political forces and forge a unified front.
Negotiations and the Struggle for Power:
Atiku faces a tough road ahead. He must navigate the complex negotiations with Obi, Kwankwaso, and other influential figures while simultaneously overcoming internal party divisions. Ultimately, his success in securing the presidential candidacy and uniting the disparate political forces will be the true test of his unifying credentials.
Kamal Alkasim is a freelance writer
Email:Kamalalkasim17@gmail.com
