Osita Okechukwu, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent remarks on democratic principles. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Atiku said he would back a younger candidate who emerges from a competitive primary election. Okechukwu argued that this emphasis on competitive primaries undermines Nigeria’s long‑standing rotation and zoning convention, a cornerstone of the country’s democracy.
Okechukwu noted that Atiku himself has previously benefited from zoning and rotation, particularly in 2014 when he won the Peoples Democratic Party’s primary without any southern presidential aspirants contesting. He contended that Atiku’s current stance, which appears to prioritize “dollarised primaries” over zoning, threatens the nation’s democratic institutions. According to Okechukwu, the unity of the country and the conduct of free and fair elections are essential tenets of democracy; sidelining zoning could lead to exclusion and erode the principles of equity and inclusion vital to Nigeria’s plural society.
The controversy surrounding Atiku’s statement highlights ongoing debates about democratic practices in Nigeria. Okechukwu’s criticism suggests that Atiku’s position may be contradictory to his past actions and potentially damaging to the country’s democratic foundations. As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the interplay between competitive primaries and zoning conventions is likely to remain a central topic of discussion.
In Nigeria’s political landscape, the rotation and zoning convention has played a significant role in maintaining stability and promoting inclusivity. By ensuring that different regions have a fair chance to produce presidential candidates, the convention helps balance power and foster national unity. Okechukwu’s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding these democratic principles and conventions that have sustained the Fourth Republic since 1999.
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