Nobody Should Be Criticised for Supporting Atiku — Isiguzo

Veteran columnist Ikeddy Isiguzo has defended former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over criticism surrounding his continued presidential ambitions, insisting that his persistence should be seen as a democratic right rather than a reason for mockery.

In a strongly worded opinion piece, Isiguzo argued that Atiku’s long-standing desire to become Nigeria’s president reflects patriotism and commitment to democracy, even if many Nigerians disagree with his political choices or ambitions.

The columnist noted that Atiku has remained consistent in his presidential pursuit since 1992 when he contested the Social Democratic Party primaries against the late Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe. According to him, Atiku’s decades-long political journey has been filled with sacrifices, betrayals, and missed opportunities.

Isiguzo also highlighted Atiku’s role during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, particularly his opposition to the controversial third-term agenda, which many believed could have extended Obasanjo’s rule indefinitely.

The article further traced Atiku’s political movements across parties, including his time in the Action Congress of Nigeria and his return to the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2019 presidential election. Isiguzo argued that although Atiku shares part of the blame for the decline of the PDP, he remains one of the few major opposition figures capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu politically.

The writer claimed that Tinubu’s administration appears uneasy about growing opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, especially efforts involving Atiku, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the platform of the African Democratic Congress.

Isiguzo suggested that Atiku’s greatest legacy may not necessarily come from becoming president, but from helping to unite opposition forces capable of removing Tinubu from office in 2027.

The article also touched on several national political issues, including tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress, concerns over insecurity across the country, and renewed debates over the leadership of the Senate involving Godswill Akpabio and Adams Oshiomhole.

Isiguzo additionally criticised former minister Femi Fani-Kayode for praising South Africa’s foreign policy despite recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in the country.

The columnist concluded by warning that political divisions within the APC and among governors could pose serious challenges for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.