Abuja-based human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called upon Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to withdraw from politics and guide the next generation of politicians. Adeyanju expressed that Atiku’s persistent pursuit of the presidential position led to Bola Tinubu’s ascendancy to the presidency.
In his New Year message, Adeyanju emphasized that Atiku’s unwavering ambition resulted in the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the President of Nigeria, attributing this to the influence of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, New Nigeria People’s Party’s Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Adeyanju acknowledged Atiku’s significant contributions to shaping Nigerian democracy over the decades, from the thwarted third republic to the most recent general elections in 2023. He stressed that the former Vice President should transition into a mentoring role, leaving behind a legacy of unity and paving the way for younger politicians to take the lead.
According to Adeyanju, 2023 presented Atiku with a prime opportunity for the Nigerian presidency, with favorable conditions; however, his defeat in the polls was attributed to a combination of arrogance, poor interpersonal skills, and the inability to manage opposition forces. Adeyanju underscored that Atiku’s failure to consolidate the opposition led to President Tinubu’s narrow victory, highlighting missed opportunities to align with key figures such as Peter Obi and Kwankwaso.
Adeyanju made a compelling case for Atiku to forego his aspirations for the 2027 presidential elections, advocating for a generational shift in leadership. He urged Atiku to emulate the role of “Moses” in uniting the opposition and advocating for the emergence of a younger politician as Nigeria’s future president.
In conclusion, Adeyanju emphasized the critical need for collaboration within the opposition, calling for a cohesive front in 2027 under the leadership of a younger candidate. He reiterated the importance of leaving a positive and unifying legacy for the benefit of Nigeria’s political landscape.
This thought-provoking message from Deji Adeyanju resonates with the essence of mentorship, unity, and the intergenerational transition of leadership, offering a compelling perspective on the dynamics of Nigerian politics.
