Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has once again found himself at the center of a contentious political debate, pitting him against the formidable Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ), a group renowned for its staunch allegiance to President Bola Tinubu. In a recent statement issued in Abuja by Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, the National Coordinator of DOJ, Atiku’s presidential aspirations were bluntly dismissed as futile, despite his recent visits to former Presidents Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement from DOJ marked the beginning of renewed scrutiny on Atiku’s political maneuvers. “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,” it read, hinting at Atiku’s intentions for the upcoming presidential election and prompting a swift rebuttal from DOJ reaffirming their unwavering support for Tinubu’s candidacy.
“Tinubu is a staunch democrat who intentionally refused to disclose all the accumulated crisis of over three decades,” the statement continued, portraying Tinubu as a leader prepared to confront Nigeria’s enduring challenges head-on. DOJ emphasized their conviction that Atiku’s efforts are futile in the face of Tinubu’s entrenched position within Nigerian politics.
DOJ did not shy away from criticizing Atiku’s political strategies, accusing him of 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,” the statement asserted, labeling Atiku’s recent actions as a “vein pursuit of the surreal” and urging Nigerians not to be swayed by what they portrayed as “another fruitless journey.”
Alawuje elaborated further on Atiku’s alleged frustrations and diminishing political influence: “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 emphasized Atiku’s history of unsuccessful presidential bids, suggesting that it might be time for him to 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 firmly, arguing that Atiku’s presence only serves to divert attention from more viable leadership alternatives. The group also accused Atiku of stoking ethnic divisions, warning that his candidacy could destabilize Nigeria’s delicate ethnic balance.
The statement continued with scathing criticism of Atiku’s perceived 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 pointed to Atiku’s previous statements, which they claimed reflected divisive sentiments towards ethnic groups in Nigeria, questioning his suitability for national leadership.
In conclusion, DOJ reiterated their steadfast support for Tinubu and cautioned against what they viewed 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 potential threat to national stability, emphasizing their belief that his aspirations pose significant risks to Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the discourse surrounding Atiku Abubakar’s political ambitions continues to escalate, both supporters and detractors are actively shaping the narrative in anticipation of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. The clash between Atiku and DOJ underscores the intense competition and high stakes characterizing Nigerian politics as the nation navigates its path forward.
