As Nigeria’s opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gear up for the 2027 general elections, concerns have emerged over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s effectiveness as the leader of the opposition.
Many within the PDP are questioning whether Atiku’s continued presidential ambitions hinder his ability to unify the party and lead a cohesive opposition.
Several PDP insiders have voiced their reservations, expressing that Atiku’s ambition to secure the presidency may be detracting from his role as an opposition figurehead.
According to the insiders, Atiku has yet to assume the role of a unifying leader focused on the broader interests of the party. Instead, his efforts remain centered around his personal aspirations, which some feel leaves the PDP in a perpetual state of internal strife.
Two high-ranking PDP members, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that Atiku has not contributed financially to the party in recent times, raising concerns about his commitment to strengthening the PDP.
One of them remarked, “When last did Atiku contribute towards this party? Atiku has not made any financial contribution to this party in a long while and yet he wants to become president on the platform of the party.
“He thinks anytime he comes, he will always get the ticket, but the party is wiser now.”
Another key PDP stakeholder echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Atiku’s personal ambitions are likely to cloud his judgment, making it difficult for him to place the party’s priorities above his own.
“Atiku can’t play the role of opposition leader because his ambition to become president comes first to him. His ambition will becloud his judgment when it comes to making decisions in the party.
“If Atiku shelve his ambition today and calls everybody to discuss the party interest and way forward, most of the crises in the party will stop.
“His ambition and interest in every election circle is one of the reasons why some important members of the party fail to take positions,” the key stakeholder said.
In an interview with INDEPENDENT in Abuja, PDP Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, highlighted Atiku’s potential, noting that while Atiku is a recognized leader, he has not stepped forward sufficiently to mobilize the opposition or strengthen the PDP.
Osadolor pointed out that Atiku has the influence and resources needed to counter the ruling party effectively, but he has yet to fully engage in unifying the opposition or establishing the networks necessary for this goal.
“It’s not a secret that the name Atiku Abubakar is a household name in this country Nigeria.
“The man literally developed himself into a brand the world has come to celebrate and appreciate.
“Aside been a politician, he is a most successful businessmen. However, his life is defined by his politics.
“Some of the major reforms and gains of the 1999 -(2003)-2007 were products of his deft contributions and testament to his administrative capacity.
“Like all things, times and tides in politics do change and one is permitted to grow old and outgrow some traits for good or even otherwise.
“The complexities that today’s reality throws up in our political space is far and above what was tenable 10 to 15 years ago.
“H.E Atiku Abubakar is a born leader, however, for reason best known to him, he has not come out frontally enough to galvanise the opposition, strengthen his party and build networks capable of bringing down the monstrosity ruling over the lives and affairs of Nigerians as at today.
“Yes, we have seen him issue a few press releases and paid visit to key opposition leaders.
“The shoes of the leader of the opposition is still very much vacant. He can step up and not only fill it, but use it to the relief and benefit of Nigerians that want a better country.
“He has the clout and resources to do it, let him avail himself to provide leadership, Nigerians need a rallying face and voice who necessarily must not be a presidential aspirant.
“It’s about rescuing, rebranding, rebuilding and Rescuing Nigeria and making it a country we can all be proud of,” Osadolor said.