A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, Osita Okechukwu, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s stance on democratic principles. In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Atiku stated that he would support a younger candidate who emerges through a competitive primary election. Okechukwu responded to this statement, arguing that Atiku’s emphasis on competitive primaries undermines Nigeria’s rotation and zoning convention, a crucial aspect of the country’s democracy.
Atiku’s comment was made in the context of his potential candidacy in future elections. Okechukwu pointed out that Atiku himself has benefited from zoning and rotation in the past, particularly in 2014 when he won the Peoples Democratic Party’s primary election without any southern presidential aspirants contesting. However, Atiku’s current stance seems to prioritize competitive primaries over zoning, which Okechukwu sees as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Okechukwu emphasized that the unity of the country and the conduct of free and fair elections are essential tenets of democracy. He argued that Atiku’s approach, which appears to favor “dollarised primaries” over zoning, could lead to exclusion and undermine the principles of equity and inclusion that are vital in a plural society like Nigeria.
The controversy surrounding Atiku’s statement highlights ongoing debates about democratic practices in Nigeria. Okechukwu’s criticism suggests that Atiku’s stance may be seen as contradictory to his past actions and potentially damaging to the country’s democratic foundations. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the interplay between competitive primaries and zoning conventions is likely to remain a topic of discussion.
In the context of Nigeria’s political landscape, the rotation and zoning convention has played a significant role in maintaining stability and promoting inclusivity. The convention ensures that different regions have a fair chance to produce presidential candidates, which helps to balance power and promote national unity. Okechukwu’s criticism of Atiku’s stance serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and conventions that have helped to sustain Nigeria’s Fourth Republic since 1999.
