Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, has attempted to become President six times and is now on his seventh bid. His previous attempts were in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, but he lost each time. Abubakar's persistence has drawn attention, with some comparing him to other politicians who have made multiple bids, such as Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, who won on his fifth and sixth attempts but lost on his seventh.
According to Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a critic of Abubakar, the former Vice President has been a member of seven political parties since joining politics in 1991 and four parties since 1999. Fani-Kayode describes Abubakar as a "political wanderer" who views parties as vehicles for power rather than institutions to serve. This criticism highlights Abubakar's pragmatic approach to politics, which has led to accusations of opportunism.
Abubakar's bid has also been marked by controversy, including his attempt to mobilize PDP governors against his leader, President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2003. Fani-Kayode alleges that Abubakar sought to topple Obasanjo as the party's presidential candidate and take his place as the flagbearer. This move was seen as a case of ingratitude and treachery, especially since Obasanjo had nominated Abubakar as his running mate twice.
Despite his tumultuous past, Abubakar remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. His supporters argue that his experience and vision make him a strong candidate, while critics see his persistence as an obsession. The comparison to Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal is often made, but Fani-Kayode argues that Abubakar lacks Wade's sincerity, courage, and patriotism.
Abubakar's opposition to a power shift to the South has also been a point of contention. He has consistently opposed the idea, even when many Northern leaders have backed it in the name of rotation, fairness, and equity. This stance has led to accusations that Abubakar has a sectional outlook rather than a national one.
For his seventh bid, Abubakar has employed the services of a foreign consultant, sparking debate about the role of external influence in Nigerian politics. As the election approaches, Abubakar's chances of success remain uncertain, but his persistence has cemented his place in Nigeria's political landscape.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar has made seven presidential bids, with previous attempts in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
- Abubakar's critics argue that his persistence is an obsession and that he lacks the qualities that made Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal successful.
- Abubakar's seventh bid has been marked by controversy, including his employment of a foreign consultant and his opposition to a power shift to the South.
