Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, finds himself embroiled in a heated political discourse, with assertions from the Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ), a group known for its allegiance to President Bola Tinubu, asserting unequivocally that Atiku’s presidential aspirations are futile. In a statement released in Abuja by Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, the National Coordinator of DOJ, it was made clear that recent visits by Atiku to former Presidents Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari will not sway the political landscape in his favor come 2027.
“The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, is in the news again, as he embarked on a political sojourn that saw him visit two former presidents last week,” the statement began. It hinted at Atiku’s potential agenda regarding the upcoming presidential election, prompting a swift rebuttal from DOJ regarding the non-negotiable stance on Tinubu’s candidacy.
“Tinubu is a staunch democrat who intentionally refused to disclose all the accumulated crisis of over three decades,” the statement continued, highlighting Tinubu’s perceived readiness to address national challenges head-on. It reinforced the group’s belief that Atiku’s endeavors are futile in the face of Tinubu’s steadfast position in Nigerian politics.
The DOJ did not mince words in accusing Atiku of political desperation and irrelevance: “Atiku needs to be told that this is an undisputed fact, with all the major opposition politicians fully aware that the return of Tinubu in 2027 is not negotiable.” They painted his recent actions as a “vein pursuit of the surreal,” urging Nigerians not to be swayed by what they termed “another fruitless journey.”
Alawuje elaborated on Atiku’s alleged frustration and dwindling political relevance: “The level of political frustration in Atiku is increasing by the seconds, and it has resulted in a dream that can never come through.” He further emphasized that Atiku’s past attempts to secure the presidency have been in vain, suggesting that he should gracefully exit the political stage.
“The best we can offer him at the moment is to banish him permanently from the political scene,” Alawuje declared, asserting that Atiku’s presence only serves to distract from more viable leadership options. The group also accused Atiku of ethnic bigotry, arguing that his candidacy could potentially destabilize Nigeria’s delicate ethnic balance.
The statement continued with scathing criticism of Atiku’s alleged disregard for national unity: “His desperation to rule Nigeria has politically changed to a determination to set the country to a serious ethnic crisis.” DOJ cited Atiku’s previous statements, which they claimed reflected divisive sentiments regarding ethnic groups in Nigeria, thereby questioning his suitability for national leadership.
In conclusion, the DOJ reaffirmed their unwavering support for Tinubu and cautioned against what they perceived as Atiku’s divisive agenda: “Even if he decided to visit either Satan or Pharaoh, nothing can change Almighty God’s decision on Tinubu.” They portrayed Atiku’s actions as a threat to national stability, underscoring their belief that his aspirations pose a significant risk to Nigeria’s political landscape.
Thus, the discourse surrounding Atiku Abubakar’s political ambitions continues to intensify, with proponents and opponents alike shaping the narrative as the country navigates towards the 2027 presidential election.
