Atiku is the only strong opposition leader in Nigeria so far. He was a vice president for 8 years and a successful businessman in active politics in the last 3 decades. He contested for election by appearing on the ballot 3 times. He did it in 2007, 2019, and 2023. He aspired for the office of the president in 1992, 2003, 2011, and 2015.
He’s the only opposition leader with the capacity to unify this country, a nationalist to the core, Pan Nigerian, and advocate for restructuring. Nobody will deny these attributes on him.
Tell me any strong opposition leader in Nigeria apart from Atiku? Obi fought a good fight out of ethnicity and bigotry but Atiku fought his fight out of nationalism not because he is from the North or a muslim but because of his patriotism to govern this country and bring the desired change. He didn’t hide under ethnicity or religion like other candidates do.
Atiku has built bridges across the country. If the Igbo’s will come and work together with Waziri, he will definitely be a stepping stone for an igbo presidency as he always said: Power is negotiable.You don’t fight for it.
Despite the fact that the votes were splitted and rigged, Waziri was able to beat Obi, Kwankwaso, and came second in the most fraudulent election since the return to democracy in 1999.
Atiku still has a good chance at 76. Raila Odinga contested for election at 81, Joe Biden is currently 80. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be around that age, too, as nobody is aware of his real age.
Age should not be an obstacle to contest for election. It’s all about a candidate who has the ability and capacity to bring the needed results.
Atiku is the only opposition leader who can lead and restructure this country. This should not be his last shot, as others are saying. He should give it a try again.
President Muhammadu Buhari contested for election 4 times, he lost all the 3 and won in his 4th attempt. Those asking Waziri to forget about contesting again are doing a disservice to this nation.
Many world leaders are in their 80’s. That doesn’t stop them from doing great things.
I’m optimistic that Waziri will get his stolen mandate at the Supreme Court. If otherwise, he should contest again as Nigeria and Nigerians need him more.
Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada is a political PR consultant, university lecturer, and media assistant at Atiku Campaign Office in Kano.
