By Mohammed Bello Doka
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, one question continues to linger in the minds of many: can the North trust Atiku Abubakar with the presidency? While Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria, has indicated his intention to run for the presidency again, particularly after his comments on the northern tenure in the government, it is important to scrutinize his past leadership track record, especially concerning the northern region. Despite his long-standing presence in Nigeria’s political landscape, Atiku’s tenure in government reveals significant shortcomings, raising questions about his suitability to lead the country in the coming years.
A Legacy of Unmet Promises
Atiku Abubakar’s career in government spans decades, including his eight-year tenure as Vice President under the leadership of Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. Despite his high profile and political prominence, his time in office left many critical issues in the North unresolved, particularly in areas that directly affect the majority of the region’s populace—security, education, and poverty alleviation.
One of the most glaring failures during Atiku's time in office is his inability to take decisive action against the growing insecurity in the North. The region has been plagued by insurgencies, banditry, and terrorism for decades. The Boko Haram insurgency, which has ravaged the northeast since 2009, was already at the height of its destructive power during Atiku's tenure as Vice President. Yet, Atiku, despite being a key member of the administration, did little to address the root causes of the insurgency or provide effective solutions. While he might have had limited executive powers, his silence on the matter and failure to advocate for stronger security measures led to the continued deterioration of the region’s safety.
Atiku’s lack of action in combating terrorism and insurgency was compounded by his inability to prioritize the socio-economic development of the region. Despite his claims of championing economic reforms, the North continued to suffer from some of the highest levels of illiteracy and poverty in the country. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the northern states, especially those in the north-east and north-west, consistently report the highest poverty rates in the country. By 2021, an estimated 70% of people in these regions lived in extreme poverty, with no significant efforts from Atiku’s leadership to reverse the trend during his tenure.
Illiteracy and Unmet Educational Reforms
The issue of education has remained one of the North's greatest challenges. During Atiku’s time in office, Nigeria’s educational system was in dire need of reform, particularly in the North, where the literacy rate has been dismal. Atiku had opportunities to improve education in his capacity as Vice President, especially considering his background in education and business. However, his administration failed to implement meaningful reforms that could address the region’s educational crisis. Rather than focusing on bridging the educational gap in the North, Atiku was preoccupied with national policies that were more geared towards maintaining his position and political interests rather than effecting tangible change for the North.
Even today, the North continues to battle a lack of quality education, with millions of children out of school, especially in the rural areas. This failure to prioritize education has had long-term consequences on the region’s human capital development, leaving generations to contend with the challenges of limited opportunities and resources. Atiku, who has portrayed himself as a champion for the people, failed to address this pressing issue during his time in government. If elected in 2027, it is unlikely that his approach to education would be any different, as his previous actions (or lack thereof) have shown that education was not a key priority for him.
Economic Deprivation and the Northern Agenda
Poverty remains one of the biggest challenges facing the North, and Atiku’s record on addressing this issue remains highly questionable. Despite being a businessman with considerable wealth, his policies during his time in office did little to address the deep-rooted poverty in the North. His tenure as Vice President did not see any significant investment in northern agriculture, which remains the backbone of the region’s economy. Instead, his administration focused more on oil and urban areas, leaving the vast rural expanse of the North underserved.
Moreover, Atiku’s obsession with power and political influence often resulted in missed opportunities for the region. His pursuit of the presidency in 2019, and his subsequent campaign for 2023, has been more about advancing his own political aspirations than addressing the systemic challenges facing the North. His inability to unite the region under a common cause or provide clear economic reforms that directly impacted the lives of the northern population speaks volumes about his true priorities.
Atiku’s rhetoric surrounding the northern agenda has always been loud but hollow. His recent comments about the 2027 election and the need for northern political leaders to have their turn are a testament to his ongoing desire for power. However, a closer look at his track record reveals that his addiction to power comes at the expense of the northern people’s progress. If Atiku truly had the North’s best interests at heart, he would have focused on improving the region’s economic and educational status during his time in office, rather than using it as a bargaining chip for his political ambitions.
Addiction to Power and Political Maneuvering
One of the most concerning aspects of Atiku Abubakar’s political career is his seemingly insatiable desire for power. His numerous bids for the presidency—four, to be precise—reveal a man who is deeply invested in maintaining political relevance at any cost. This addiction to power is not merely a desire to serve the nation but rather a reflection of his ego and need for control.
Atiku’s political maneuvers often appear self-serving, with his decisions seemingly focused on consolidating power for himself rather than the welfare of the people. His attempts to maintain political relevance, including his sustained efforts to secure the presidency, speak more to his ambition than to any genuine desire to address the issues facing the North. As he positions himself for another run in 2027, the question remains whether the northern electorate can trust him to prioritize the region’s development over his own political aspirations.
Conclusion: A Divisive Figure for the North
Atiku Abubakar’s record as a public servant in Nigeria leaves much to be desired. His failure to tackle the serious issues of insecurity, illiteracy, and poverty in the North speaks volumes about his leadership. His addiction to power and his inability to prioritize the welfare of the northern populace make him an unsuitable candidate for the presidency in 2027. The North deserves a leader who is not only capable of addressing its economic, security, and educational challenges but also someone who genuinely understands and is committed to the region's long-term growth.
For the North to thrive, it must look beyond Atiku’s political ambitions and focus on leaders who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to public service, transparency, and accountability. Atiku’s leadership, marked by missed opportunities and a focus on personal gain, will not deliver the change the North desperately needs. Therefore, the question is clear: the North cannot trust Atiku Abubakar as President in 2027.
Mohammed Bello Doka is the Chairman/CEO Abuja Network News
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Opinion