Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been the subject of a scathing article by Femi Fani-Kayode, who has made several claims about Atiku's political history and character. Fani-Kayode is free to disagree with Atiku's policies and question his political choices, but rewriting history to serve personal preferences is not acceptable. Atiku has indeed sought the presidency several times, changing political parties in the process, which has raised questions about his political affiliations.
One of Fani-Kayode's claims is that Atiku has sought the presidency seven times, but this is not entirely accurate. Atiku was not a presidential candidate in the 1993, 2011, and 2015 general elections, as these were contests for party nominations. He actually appeared on Nigeria's presidential-election ballot three times before 2027. His upcoming candidacy in 2027 will be his fourth general election presidential bid, not his seventh. This distinction is crucial, as Fani-Kayode's comparison with politicians from other countries is not like-for-like.
Fani-Kayode also claims that Atiku has belonged to seven political parties, including the People's Front of Nigeria (PFN). However, the PFN was not a registered political party, but rather a political association formed during the Babangida transition. Atiku's actual party affiliations and switches have been a subject of scrutiny, but Fani-Kayode's own party switching history makes him an unusual person to criticize others on this issue. Fani-Kayode has joined and left several parties, including the APC and PDP.
The article also touches on the Obasanjo-Atiku conflict in 2003, with Fani-Kayode presenting his interpretation as fact. However, the historical record is more complicated, with different accounts of what actually happened. Atiku has stated that PDP governors approached him to challenge President Obasanjo for the party ticket but that he declined. Other published accounts confirm that powerful PDP governors did consider replacing Obasanjo and approached Atiku, but the exact circumstances and negotiations are disputed.
Fani-Kayode also mentions the Mambilla tribunal, which raised questions about a $500,000 transaction involving Atiku's former wife. However, the tribunal's findings have been misrepresented, with Fani-Kayode creating the impression of established corruption findings. The ICC tribunal actually rejected explanations for the transaction due to a lack of documentation and described the circumstances as raising significant concerns. Nevertheless, the tribunal found no evidence that Atiku exercised his official duties to foster the award of the contract to Sunrise.
Another claim made by Fani-Kayode is that Atiku employed a "foreign hired gun" for $1.2 million. However, this engagement was publicly filed with the United States Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The filing states that the firm was retained for government affairs representation and strategic advisory work, including policy positioning and engagement with Congress and executive branch officials. The engagement was a publicly registered professional arrangement, not a sinister conspiracy.
The controversy surrounding Fani-Kayode's article highlights the need for accuracy and fairness in political commentary. While Fani-Kayode is entitled to his opinions and recollections, he is not entitled to convert disputed episodes into incontrovertible proof of wrongdoing. The public deserves a fact-based understanding of the issues, rather than polemics that blur the lines between fact and fiction. As the 2027 election approaches, Nigerians will be watching Atiku and other politicians closely, with a critical eye on their records and actions.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar has sought the presidency four times, not seven.
- Fani-Kayode's claims about Atiku's party affiliations and Mambilla tribunal findings have been disputed.
- The engagement between Atiku and a Washington-based strategic firm was a publicly registered professional arrangement.
