By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a significant political gesture, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, led a high-profile delegation, including the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark, a revered statesman and nationalist.
During the visit, Atiku offered heartfelt prayers for the family, acknowledging Chief Clark’s immense contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape. He described Clark as a man whose legacy was shaped by his unwavering commitment to national unity and inclusiveness. Atiku emphasized that the passing of the elder statesman was not just a loss to his family, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), or the Niger Delta region but to the entire country.
"The best way to immortalize Chief Edwin Clark is for our leaders to uphold the principles of unity and inclusiveness that he stood for throughout his lifetime," Atiku stated.
Political Implications of the Visit
The presence of Nasir El-Rufai in Atiku’s delegation has raised eyebrows in political circles. El-Rufai, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been a controversial figure in national politics, often seen as a staunch ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, his recent political trajectory—marked by reported frustrations within the APC and strained relations with the presidency—has fueled speculation about his next moves.
This visit comes at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is experiencing realignments ahead of 2027. The presence of El-Rufai alongside Atiku, a leading opposition figure, could signal a potential political shift or a strategic alliance in the making. While it may be too early to draw definitive conclusions, the optics of this visit suggest that the former Kaduna governor may be exploring new political possibilities outside the APC.
Furthermore, the visit underscores Atiku’s continued relevance in national politics and his commitment to maintaining relationships across regional and political divides. It also reinforces his broader message of national unity, particularly at a time when Nigeria is facing increasing ethnic and political polarization.
As Nigeria moves toward future elections, this development will undoubtedly be closely watched by political analysts and stakeholders across the country.