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Tag: atiku

2019: Can Atiku be the new face of Nigeria?
BARELY few weeks from now, 2018 would be ushered in, a most defining year preceding the 2019 general elections, which no political party worth its salt , can afford to treat with levity in the series of electoral offices, the least the Presidential seat. Spiritually as the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministry (MFM),Dr D.K. Olukoya, would simply put in his homilies early this December, that the number 8 or 18 epitomizes bondage.

He would however not expatiate but reserve further comments until his pack of New Year predictions nay prophesies, are made public. Conversely put, only by the political parties and key players doing the right thing and adopting the best winning methodology would they break away from that vicious circle of being caged and out of the siege mentality. Fresh from the successful outing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national Convention in Abuja few days back where new members of the executive of the party headed by Chief Uche Secondus were elected, the stage seems set for a night of long knives, horse trading and politicking to determine who eventually gets the PDP presidential ticket.

The 2015 failed bid by the then President Goodluck Jonathan to return to power, readily comes to mind. If he had actually taken time to read the political barometer too well, he would have discovered too early in the day that he had no business extending his tenure.It was the one fondly called Chief Servant from Minna, that burst the bubble. He had said in no unmistakable terms that there existed a gentleman’s agreement for Jonathan not to run and for the nod to go to the north after Jonathan had been in power for six years after the unfortunate death of President Musa Yar’Adua.

The Oguta maverick politician once told this writer that he had developed a hunch of being on his guard and if he had been asked to go do a dirty and despicable act, he would first look at the eyes and not the lips of the fellow .Jonathan couldn’t look at the eyes of those who hedged and hemmed him in,but believed their lips. Some smart Alec bandied conceited and spurious registers of signatures garnered from all the 36 States in the country urging Jonathan to run.

By the time the consequences of that calamitous mistake had dawned on the presidency, it was too late to save PDP and the man who flew its flag. He became a piteous spectacle watching a whole president running from pillar to post, the rest now history. It becomes pertinent therefore that the man Nigerians eagerly await come 2019, is the man who can solve the myriad of problems facing the nation.

Hunger, joblessness, disunity and spate of wanton killings and destruction, with the culprits hardly caught or punished. Never in the annals of this nation have we been so divided than now. Hatred, distrust and rampant harakiri of Fulani Herdsmen, killing, maiming, raping peoples’ wives and girls with such effrontery, that bewilders. Given the frustrations and the manner the information on the present President’s health was being managed, no less a personality than a chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande had to publicly decry the secrecy surrounding the health of Mr President.

Chief Akande seems to have gone into oblivion and is hardly seen or very vocal any more in a party he contributed largely and immensely in its formation. It took punk musician the likes of British Boy George, our own Charlie Boy with his group ‘Our Mou Mou Don Too Much’, which occupied Abuja for several days and had a running battle with security operatives and had perfected moving the campaign to Nigeria House in London, when suddenly Mr President hurried back home.What a pity! It should not ealy be.

Of late most APC leaders and even the Governor Rochas Okorocha lamented that Nigerians were hit by a deluge of hardship and suffering perhaps informing his establishing a new Ministry of Happiness and Well Being. As predictable, leftist and former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, wrote off the ruling party APC as a disaster of unimaginable proportion.

Given the state of anxiety and expectation by the populace, it is only a more nationalistic and one with the Midas touch that would get their votes in the next General Elections and as such, one believes the PDP needs consider these postulations:

Take One: The next duel would not be a tea party. It must get its best man for the job. There should be no sentiments about it. There is no gain-saying that the emergence of the former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, with what he described as home coming, must have upset the apple cart. Of course the permutations must change. Therein lies the arduous task before party stake holders, governors who play deciding roles and top echelon of the party to sink pettiness, personal interest, and go for a man who has a universal national appeal capable at the first ballot to coast home to victory. The overall good should take over primordial gains.

Take Two: A man who has goodwill, friends and associates in all the length and breadth of the nation, one who is not a religious, bigot, one with a clear focus to reunite all Nigerians once more. Endowed by nature with human and natural resources, all what Nigerians demand of their leaders is to give them potable drinking water, employment, food on their tables, sense of belonging and not one that scares the hell out of their lives.

In doing so, PDP elected officials and Governor must roll their sleeves for actual work touching the lives of young and old, the rural folks, market women and men, business moguls, students and workers alike. Days of propagandizing and eulogizing now over. Time is for real work, which would invariably rub off on the prospective presidential candidate of the party.

Take Three: Can PDP bring back egalitarianism, equity, fairness, justice and inspire the citizenry to walk tall once more by making our nation more habitable thus discouraging our youths from fleeing in droves through the Sahara or the sea to become food for sharks and desert doves and Tuareg.

Take Four: Should the ruling party decide to field the present president, it is only a PDP’S Giant in the sun in the mold of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with a healthy war chest of resources, temperate and friendly mien, industry, brain and brawn as demonstrated while in office in the numerous positive activities and programs he enunciated even while he was being hounded from all quarters, seems the likely candidate as resilient and formidable as ever to stand toe to toe with President Buhari.Can Atiku be the new face Nigerians are anxiously waiting for? Howbeit the twosome, Atiku and Buhari, in the arena that would pass for the mother of all contests.
- Nnaji was former Editor of Stateman newspaper
December 24, 2017
Why Atiku defected from APC, by Ojudu

Presidential Political Adviser Senator Babafemi Ojudu has reflected on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that he left the ruling party because he could not realise his presidential ambition.

He chided the Waziri Adamawa for twisting facts and wiping up sentiments against the Buhari administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for partisan reasons.

Ojudu said Atiku’s departure was not surprising to the APC, stressing that it was typical of the former vice president to call it quits with a platform that cannot guarantee his bid for the highest office.

He recalled that Atiku has always destroyed the parties that hosted him by turning around to pull it down, following his inability to clinch the nomination ticket.

Ojudu spoke on Channels Television’s Sunrise on the implications Atiku’s defection for himself, the PDP and the APC.

Describing Atiku as a serial defector, the political adviser said the gale of defections peculiar to the eminent politician underscored his desperation for power.

He said the Turaki Adamawa lied about his marginalisation in the APC, recalling that he often declined to make any constructive and useful contribution during the meetings of party’s founding fathers.

Ojudu said: “Atiku’s defection is not surprising . During the meeting of the G-19, the Legacy Group that formed the APC, Atiku was there. We laid our programmes as a government before the party leaders and asked for their contributions. He was the only person who refused to talk. The second time the meeting was called, Atiku did not attend. We knew that he will leave. Each time he wants to leave a house, he demolishes the house.

However, the presidential adviser said it will be myopic to dismiss Atiku as a politician without weight, judging by his status and antecedents in politics.

Ojudu also said that Atiku has the right to defect under the constitution to seek refuge in any party, despite his constrains and limitations.

He stressed: “It will be stupid to dismiss his weight. He is an asset to an extent that he stays there. His goal is to be the president. If he cannot get the ticket, he will leave.”

Ojudu acknowledged the complaint by kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on the alleged marginalisation of party elders, which Atiku also cited as reason for leaving the APC, saying that the situation has been corrected.

He said: “There is no perfect organisation and there is no perfect government. The Kaduna governor expressed hos mkind and he has joined others to put things right. You don’t jump out.”

Ojudu said Atiku was fed up with the APC the moment he failed to get the presidential ticket atv the primary, adding that he is now playing his last card.

He added: “Atiku is playing his last card. He is desperate to be president. If President Buhari get a second term, he knows that the presidency will go to another region. The presidency will not go to another region. Before it goes back to the North, it may take years and he would have become old.”

Ojudu also dismissed Atiku’s allegation that the government has not done much for the youths, clarifying that efforts were being made to create jobs in many ways, including massive investment in agriculture.

He challenged the former vice president to list his contribution to job creation in his native Adamawa State.

Ojudu queried: “What were the contributions of Atiku to APC’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria? What has he done as a godfather in Adamawa to solve the problem of unemployment. What agenda for youths did he take to the president that was rejected?”

The political adviser gave the Buhari administration a pas mark, saying that it is a government of planning and anti-corruption.

He said: “There is planning and there is no siphoning of public funds.”

December 22, 2017
2019: Can Atiku be the new face of Nigeria?
BARELY few weeks from now, 2018 would be ushered in, a most defining year preceding the 2019 general elections, which no political party worth its salt , can afford to treat with levity in the series of electoral offices, the least the Presidential seat. Spiritually as the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministry (MFM),Dr D.K. Olukoya, would simply put in his homilies early this December, that the number 8 or 18 epitomizes bondage.

He would however not expatiate but reserve further comments until his pack of New Year predictions nay prophesies, are made public. Conversely put, only by the political parties and key players doing the right thing and adopting the best winning methodology would they break away from that vicious circle of being caged and out of the siege mentality. Fresh from the successful outing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national Convention in Abuja few days back where new members of the executive of the party headed by Chief Uche Secondus were elected, the stage seems set for a night of long knives, horse trading and politicking to determine who eventually gets the PDP presidential ticket.

The 2015 failed bid by the then President Goodluck Jonathan to return to power, readily comes to mind. If he had actually taken time to read the political barometer too well, he would have discovered too early in the day that he had no business extending his tenure.It was the one fondly called Chief Servant from Minna, that burst the bubble. He had said in no unmistakable terms that there existed a gentleman’s agreement for Jonathan not to run and for the nod to go to the north after Jonathan had been in power for six years after the unfortunate death of President Musa Yar’Adua.

The Oguta maverick politician once told this writer that he had developed a hunch of being on his guard and if he had been asked to go do a dirty and despicable act, he would first look at the eyes and not the lips of the fellow .Jonathan couldn’t look at the eyes of those who hedged and hemmed him in,but believed their lips. Some smart Alec bandied conceited and spurious registers of signatures garnered from all the 36 States in the country urging Jonathan to run.

By the time the consequences of that calamitous mistake had dawned on the presidency, it was too late to save PDP and the man who flew its flag. He became a piteous spectacle watching a whole president running from pillar to post, the rest now history. It becomes pertinent therefore that the man Nigerians eagerly await come 2019, is the man who can solve the myriad of problems facing the nation.

Hunger, joblessness, disunity and spate of wanton killings and destruction, with the culprits hardly caught or punished. Never in the annals of this nation have we been so divided than now. Hatred, distrust and rampant harakiri of Fulani Herdsmen, killing, maiming, raping peoples’ wives and girls with such effrontery, that bewilders. Given the frustrations and the manner the information on the present President’s health was being managed, no less a personality than a chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande had to publicly decry the secrecy surrounding the health of Mr President.

Chief Akande seems to have gone into oblivion and is hardly seen or very vocal any more in a party he contributed largely and immensely in its formation. It took punk musician the likes of British Boy George, our own Charlie Boy with his group ‘Our Mou Mou Don Too Much’, which occupied Abuja for several days and had a running battle with security operatives and had perfected moving the campaign to Nigeria House in London, when suddenly Mr President hurried back home.What a pity! It should not ealy be.

Of late most APC leaders and even the Governor Rochas Okorocha lamented that Nigerians were hit by a deluge of hardship and suffering perhaps informing his establishing a new Ministry of Happiness and Well Being. As predictable, leftist and former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, wrote off the ruling party APC as a disaster of unimaginable proportion.

Given the state of anxiety and expectation by the populace, it is only a more nationalistic and one with the Midas touch that would get their votes in the next General Elections and as such, one believes the PDP needs consider these postulations:

Take One: The next duel would not be a tea party. It must get its best man for the job. There should be no sentiments about it. There is no gain-saying that the emergence of the former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, with what he described as home coming, must have upset the apple cart. Of course the permutations must change. Therein lies the arduous task before party stake holders, governors who play deciding roles and top echelon of the party to sink pettiness, personal interest, and go for a man who has a universal national appeal capable at the first ballot to coast home to victory. The overall good should take over primordial gains.

Take Two: A man who has goodwill, friends and associates in all the length and breadth of the nation, one who is not a religious, bigot, one with a clear focus to reunite all Nigerians once more. Endowed by nature with human and natural resources, all what Nigerians demand of their leaders is to give them potable drinking water, employment, food on their tables, sense of belonging and not one that scares the hell out of their lives.

In doing so, PDP elected officials and Governor must roll their sleeves for actual work touching the lives of young and old, the rural folks, market women and men, business moguls, students and workers alike. Days of propagandizing and eulogizing now over. Time is for real work, which would invariably rub off on the prospective presidential candidate of the party.

Take Three: Can PDP bring back egalitarianism, equity, fairness, justice and inspire the citizenry to walk tall once more by making our nation more habitable thus discouraging our youths from fleeing in droves through the Sahara or the sea to become food for sharks and desert doves and Tuareg.

Take Four: Should the ruling party decide to field the present president, it is only a PDP’S Giant in the sun in the mold of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with a healthy war chest of resources, temperate and friendly mien, industry, brain and brawn as demonstrated while in office in the numerous positive activities and programs he enunciated even while he was being hounded from all quarters, seems the likely candidate as resilient and formidable as ever to stand toe to toe with President Buhari.Can Atiku be the new face Nigerians are anxiously waiting for? Howbeit the twosome, Atiku and Buhari, in the arena that would pass for the mother of all contests.
- Nnaji was former Editor of Daily Satellite newspaper
December 17, 2017
How Atiku missed chance to be president in 2003, by Idahosa

Hon. Charles Idahosa, All Progressives Congress (apc) chieftain and Political Adviser to former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, speaks with EMMANUEL OLADESU in Lagos on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and why President Muhammadu Buhari deserves a second term in office.

Former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar recently dumped the APC for the PDP. What is your reaction?

The reasons Atiku gave for leaving APC can be likened to the old adage that says ‘you give a dog a bad name in order to hang it’. I think he left the APC because he wanted to give a last shot to his presidential ambition and he strongly believes that that opportunity may not come if he remains in APC considering the fact that in the last presidential primary of the party in December 2014, he came a distant third. That is the major reason why he left APC. Every other thing he said about his leaving APC because of lack of internal democracy and no future for Nigerian youths does not hold water. He needed to go but you don’t expect him to tell Nigerians that ‘I am leaving APC because I want to contest for presidency elsewhere’. If you remember, he said the APC will be his final bus stop in 2014, meaning that he will not join any other political party again. Atiku is a man I know very well and I have great respect for. I have worked with him before in the company of other notable Nigerians like Chief James Ibori, the late DSP Alamieyeseigha and others. We tried to work for him in 2003 to realise his presidential ambition, but he missed it at that point.

How did he miss the opportunity?

Atiku was a protégé of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. He has a political machinery that cuts across the country. When Yar’Adua was in prison during the Abacha era, he confided in some of his lieutenants that in case he dies in prison, they should ensure they draft in Olusegun Obasanjo in order to compensate the Southwest for what happened to the late MKO Abiola. Yar’Adua’s key man then was Atiku so Obasanjo was forced to work with him. When Obasanjo was contesting as president, he had no money. Atiku provided all the funds. I know all this because I was part and parcel of the whole thing. Having agreed on Obasanjo, they needed people to execute the project. It was Atiku that called Chief Anthony Anenih to lead the campaign of Obasanjo. I was the first person Chief Anenih took from Benin in 1998. We usually meet in one very popular hotel in Abuja. That was where the whole plans started before we went to Jos for the convention. Atiku had already won election as governor of Adamawa State because that was his ambition then. But, Obasanjo insisted that he wanted him as his running mate. So, he contested so he contested as running mate to Obasanjo, despite his position as the governor-elect of Adamawa State. According to sources available to us that time, Obasanjo said he will do a single term but after that, he decided to go for second term. I was physically present at Rivers State Governor’s Lodge when the heat became too much and Obasanjo in the presence of all of us knelt down in front of Atiku, begging him to allow him do a second term. I think that was how Atiku missed the opportunity by agreeing to Obasanjo’s plea. He thought at least if Obasanjo completes his second term, he will handover to him but you all know the story of third term and that was how they fell apart. Atiku had the best opportunity to become president in 2003 and lost it. He had the support of PDP governors then. Now, in the process of jumping from one place to another to realise his ambition, he has lost woefully.

But, do you see Atiku as a threat now that he is in the PDP?

Atiku is not a pushover. The political machinery of the late Yar’Adua is very awesome and still intact. But Atiku as I speak today cannot be a threat to APC or President Muhammadu Buhari if the president decides to run which I believe he will do. We must understand that it is easier to destroy than to build. Buhari is taking Nigeria through a building process and he is doing a great job. I once granted an interview that what we are seeing in Nigeria today is a result of corruption fighting back. What pains me today is the fact that we have a presidency that is disunited. EFCC fighting DSS. DSS wrote a report to the Senate against Magu, Acting EFCC Chairman and that report was used in rejecting his confirmation by the Senators. Yet, both EFCC and DSS are agencies under the presidency. That is why at times I am sick and tired of attacking the leadership of the APC. When I criticise, I am only trying to help the party because I don’t have any other party to go to. If I retire from APC today, I just go home and that is goodbye to politics. I have no intention of going to any other party. It is unfortunate that we are not putting our house in order and this is a very crucial time for us because the election is just around the corner.

You said you don’t see Atiku as a threat to President Buhari. What if the votes of the Southsouth and Southeast goes to PDP and both Atiku and Buhari share the votes from the Northern region and Southwest in 2019?

Yes, it is going to be a very difficult election. There is no doubt about that. I have been part and parcel of these things for a long time, so I understand the political narratives in these areas you mentioned. One thing we must understand is the fact that the 2015 election was easy for APC because it was Jonathan. Jonathan does not have any idea of governance. He was just fortunate to become Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice- President, Acting President and President. The North was really frustrated because Jonathan broke the accord he had with PDP governors. One thing we must understand that this time around, it is not going to be North vs South. If Atiku gets the PDP ticket and Buhari gets that of APC, it will be North vs North and it will be a very difficult battle for APC. But Nigerians are going to look at their track records and vote for the best candidate. It will not be a matter of APC or PDP.

But, I strongly believe that the APC still has to do a lot of homework because I am very scared. I read an interview by Ahmed Makarfi recently where he said the PDP is expecting a harvest of defection after Atiku’s move from the APC. He now said and I quote “As a strategic reason, we don’t expect a lot of people to move to the PDP now. People are in APC for different reasons. Wait for the time when anybody will be on his own, you will see the influx of people into the PDP”. He said some of Atiku’s men are still in APC for strategic reasons. That is my fear. There are so many of Atiku’s supporters who will stay behind in the APC and leave at the last minute. Don’t forget what Aminu Tambuwal did to PDP. As Speaker of the House of Reps, he waited till the last minute before joining the APC.

These Atiku’s supporters who are staying behind in the APC, do you think their intention is to sabotage the party?

Of course! I just quoted what Makarfi said now. He said some of his supporters are still in APC for strategic reasons. He also said there are those who are still in APC and didn’t move with Atiku for different reasons. So, the APC needs to be careful. Some people are in there to do havoc. We must understand that there are some corrupt people who don’t like what President Buhari is doing and they are APC members. They will do everything possible to make sure the president does not return in 2019. Many of them believe if Buhari could do this in four years, what will he do if he now gets another four years? So, we have to watch it in APC and put our house in order.

If you look at the series of defections have done all in his bid to become president, do you see a man who is passionate about changing Nigeria for better or man who is driven by personal interest to rule Nigeria at all cost?

I think Atiku has an inordinate ambition to be president at all cost. If he is in one party and he knows his chances are not bright, he moves to another party and so on. Maybe, he has a reason why he believes he must be president, I don’t know but as far as I am concerned, he is in a better position to tell Nigerians why he wants to be president having been a vice-president for eight years. I think he is just being driven by the ambition to become the president of Nigeria and will stop at nothing to realise that dream.

You don’t seem to get along well with the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. Why? I am a founding member of APC and for those who know me; they know I am always for the truth. I say things the way I see it no matter whose ox is gored. I don’t even bother myself about people’s reactions. What did I say in the interview? I said Oyegun is a sycophant who is always telling Buhari what he wants to hear in order to help him keep his job. Is that not what happened at the last caucus meeting of APC in Abuja? Was it not President Buhari that saved Oyegun from being removed when he called Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and some governors for a meeting before they went for the caucus meeting? Even Oyegun himself knows what I said is the truth. All I am saying is forget the messenger and listen to the message. Those saying I am angry because he didn’t carry me along don’t know me. Carry me along to where? They should go and ask Oyegun himself. Since he became national chairman, have I ever called him one day to do me any favour or give appointment to anybody because I don’t need it. I am not going to talk about Oyegun again. I have made my point and it is there for the records.

Do you think President Buhari deserves an automatic ticket or should be subjected to primary?

I think Buhari deserves an automatic ticket because in developed democracies, he has the right of first refusal as a sitting president. But, I think the Buhari I have studied will like to go through primary so that he can set an example of real democratic process. But, in my personal opinion, I think he should be given an automatic ticket so that we don’t waste money and energy conducting primaries, since we already know that he is entitled to eight years. But like I said, I think Buhari will like to test his popularity and I believe he will get the party’s flag.

What is your assessment of Governor Obaseki’s one year in office?

There is no doubt that Obaseki has done well. We are very happy with him; he has not let us down. He has brought sanity to the system. The way they now collect tax is more civil, nobody is being harassed anymore. The school system is being reformed. The only area we, as party leaders, are not too happy is that he should carry us along in the sense that the infrastructure he is developing across the state, he should also develop our stomach. He is a strong governor and honestly there is nothing he is doing today that he did not say he was going to do during his campaign. But my advice is that the developmental efforts should be gradual because most of the things he is doing now are for the future. He has an idea of where he wants to take Edo to and he has said he does not want to be distracted and that is why he decided to steer clear of party leaders. But I think that after one year now, he has been able to lay a solid foundation that will take the state to the next level. Like the Alaghodaro Economic Summit that he organized, only few people in the urban areas understand the idea behind the project and it is we leaders that will always pass the message or the idea to our supporters in the rural areas. He is thinking of the Edo of the future. But the truth is that Oshiomhole over-pampered us as politicians and that is why it seems we are feeling left out by Obaseki. But we now understand his style; it is not as if he does not want to see politicians, he only does not want to be distracted which is good.

December 15, 2017
Atiku’s jinxed presidential bid

In a nation with records of ‘delegated’ Prime Minister, Head of State imposed through ambush by coup plotters with hidden agenda, president corralled into office despite loud protestation that he did not forget anything in State House, ill-prepared presidents who at the end of their tenure admitted being entrapped by their self-serving captors and a nation that even celebrates an ‘accidental civil servant’, as if bureaucracy has ceased being a specialized field that requires long years of training and apprenticeship, it is an irony that leadership of Nigeria has continued to elude Atiku Abubakar, who by training, experience, carriage, confidence is eminently qualified to run the affairs of our nation.

And it is not as if Atiku, a grassroots mobiliser, generous giver, with friends in high places and among youths he has successfully mentored, has not paid his dues. As a son “of an itinerant trader who travelled from one market to another selling imitation jewellery, caps, needles, potash, kola nuts and other nick-knacks…” who unfortunately passed on while he was just starting school, Atiku’s life has been a lesson in hard work, determination and courage. All those who have worked closely with him play glowing tributes to his humanity.

His bid for leadership however seemed to be jinxed since 1990 when he first lost his bid to be governor of Gongola State and in 1991, when his SDP ticket for the governorship of Adamawa State was annulled. In 1993, he had stepped down as SDP candidate for MKO Abiola with an eye on the vice president’s slot. He however lost out to Babagana Kingibe and SDP governors without whose support, MKO’s 1993 pan-Nigeria mandate would have been impossible. In 1999, he traded his hard-earned governorship victory of Adamawa for Obasanjo’s vice president with the hope of succeeding him in 2003 or 2007. In the pursuit of his ambition, he had stepped on the toes of an unforgiving Obasanjo, who not only drove him out of his official residence and out of PDP but foreclosed Atiku ever becoming Nigeria’s president.

In 2007, Obasanjo, a shrewd politician, played Umaru Yar’Adua, Shehu Yar’Adua’s younger brother against Atiku, the rightful inheritor of Shehu Yar’Adua’s Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), a platform Atiku had made available to Obasanjo who had no political base having been rejected by his own Yoruba people in 1988. Atiku took refuge in Tinubu’s AC in 2007. Both he and Buhari were however rigged out by Obasanjo and Maurice Iwu in the most scandalously rigged election in our nation‘s history where even the declared victor questioned his own victory. Atiku, against all odds, crawled back to PDP where he lost against Goodluck Jonathan, Obasanjo’s adopted godson in the 2011 PDP primary despite his adoption as northern candidate by powerful northern PDP leaders. Jonathan’s decision to contest the 2014 presidential race against his gentleman agreement to do one term drove Atiku and his supporters to the embrace of APC then at a gestation stage. Here again, he lost to Muhammadu Buhari in a keenly contested APC primary of 2014.

Last week, Atiku again crawled back to PDP with Jonathan’s degrading precondition that he first beg Obasanjo who is no longer a member of PDP. With the takeover of the PDP by Ayo Fayose and Nyesom Wike, two controversial politicians for whom the end justifies the means, the fulfilment of Jonathan’s humiliating condition does not seem sufficient guarantee for securing PDP 2019 ticket. If Atiku survives the road blocks already erected by these two spiteful politicians, he will then start erasing scars the PDP left behind after 16 years of mindless looting. It will be his lot to defend the defunct CAN’s charges that “PDP turned Nigeria into a borderless land of unending misery, ethnic warfare, insecurity and torture”; allowed for the “takeover of the country by sundry armed gangs, killers of all sorts, suicide bombers who have brought Nigeria to the level of strife-torn Somalia”; made the country a morgue of decayed and obsolete infrastructures”.

After crossing this hurdle, Nigerians have to be told how the new PDP, controlled by those who freely set thugs and armed militants after political rivals will improve on the baleful legacies of Babangida, Jerry Gana and Bode George’s old PDP.

It cannot also be good news for Atiku that Buhari is likely going to secure the APC ticket to run in 2019 if he asks for it. Buhari has in spite of his initial health challenges, his government initial lethargy and insufficient support from his timid APC that is yet to appreciate that a political party is like a cult organisation that has no place for deviants, delivered on his core promises viz, anti-corruption war, revitalising the economy and ending insecurity in the north-eastern part of the country.

In spite of sabotage by some corrupt members of our National Assembly and a few bad eggs in the judiciary, Buhari’s anti-corruption war is on course. Stealing is now corruption and as Magu, the acting chairman of EFCC observed a few days ago, ‘the days of impunity are gone’. Nigerians are today united against corruption to guarantee sustainable development peace and security.

Recession has effectively come to an end in spite of antics of IMF and World Bank foot-soldiers in Nigeria and other prophets of doom that predicted Nigerian recession would drag on for years. Not many economies have been known to survive a recession in one year. Buhari’s greatest success by far is in his battle against Boko Haram insurgents. Life is gradually returning to the north-east devastated by Boko Haram’s mindless killing of innocent Nigerians. Buhari’s success in routing Boko Haram out of Nigeria has been hailed by world leaders. Only last Sunday, Fareed Zakaria in his popular GPS Sunday programme quoted the latest report of Global Terrorism Index indicating terrorism in Nigeria has decreased by unprecedented 80% in two years compared to 40% in Iraq, 24% in Syria, 14 % in Afghanistan and 12% in Pakistan.

Above all, the integrity of Buhari, who Atiku will have to square up with if he secures the PDP ticket, remains unassailable. He therefore remains a formidable opponent to Atiku who has spent a great deal of time defending his own integrity.

Atiku’s first campaign outing last week was a disaster. His attack on Buhari’s record on job creation opens him to counter attack. By claiming that Nigeria lost three million jobs in two years will lead to how his mismanagement of the privatization process cost Nigeria the loss of World Bank projected seven million jobs.

Year 2019, is increasingly becoming dicey for Atiku. If he loses once again, it will not be as a result of lack trying or inadequate preparation. The fault will be in his stars. Ahmadu Bello who never prepared for leadership of the country got it on a platter of gold and gave it to Tafawa Balewa, a non-Fulani minority from southern Bauchi whose grandmother had called for the killing of all Fulani that failed to vacate their land. On the other hand, there was also the Great Zik of Africa, who first studied politics as a science and practiced it as an art in preparation for Nigerian leadership. There was also Awo (the best President Nigeria never had) who spent all his nights when his contemporaries were carousing, studying Nigerian problems and proffering solutions. Nigeria’s leadership eluded both. Atiku should be happy to be in good company of these eminent and great forebears.

December 14, 2017
2019: Atiku’s plan shaky as governors seize PDP
Makarfi, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso, Lamido, Shekarau on shopping list

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition was hanging in the balance at the weekend, with the governors taking control of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ).

New power brokers have emerged in the party — courtesy of the Saturday national convention where erstwhile leaders’ influence took a big bashing.

Some of their candidates for National Working Committee (NWC) positions were rejected by governors based on a “Unity List” produced by the new power brokers whose emergence has shattered Atiku’s hope of securing with ease the party’s 2019 presidential ticket.

Atiku has just quit the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the main opposition party.

The governors are weighing the following aspirants and likely defectors, among others: ex-Governor Ahmed Makarfi; ex-Governor Sule Lamido, ex-Minister of Education Ibrahim Shekarau, Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, ex-Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso (still being wooed by PDP) and Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (who is a political ally of the coordinator of the power brokers, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike). Tambuwal is of the APC.

Atiku , who has the backing of ex-Presidents Babangida and Jonathan, will have to court the governors to secure the ticket.

The governors are said to have had their list of presidential aspirants before Atiku rejoined the PDP.

It was learnt that the governors had an “unwritten pact with Makarfi” who fulfilled his part of the bargain, with the election of Prince Uche Secondus as chairman.

Although Tambuwal and Kwankwaso have not shown interest in defecting to PDP, the opposition party is believed to have been pleading with them to come back.

Some of Tambuwal’s supporters reportedly prefer a return to PDP. Kwankwaso’s are thinking of mounting the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) platform to displace APC in Kano State in 2019.

A party source said: “Atiku has many hurdles to cross before he can get the party’s presidential ticket. He has to convince the governors to support him. He will also face tough primaries with many presidential aspirants who are not ready to step down for him,

“The emergence of Secondus has altered Atiku’s permutations of an automatic presidential ticket.

“Atiku’s case is more complicated by the fact that some of the governors are disposed to Makarfi going by the way he was resilient in tackling the PDP crisis.

“It is an open secret in PDP that there was ‘an unwritten agreement’ between the governors and Makrafi on the election of the new national chairman and 2019 presidential poll. Secondus’ victory showed some signs of a deal by the two camps.

“There are also fears in the party that Wike might woo Tambuwal back to PDP and allow him to try his luck for the presidential ticket. With the huge resources displayed at the convention, Tambuwal may alter equations in the party.

“Atiku is certainly in a tight corner. As an experienced politician, he could see the signs. He has been ingenious politically and he can find his way through the landmines.”

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the roll call of the new power brokers, who determined the outcome of Saturday elective convention, includes new brigade of leaders taking over the PDP.

The power brokers are Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose and nine other governors; former Senate President David Mark, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio; ex-Governor Ibrahim Shema; ex-Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Zainab Maina; ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam; a businessman, Ladi Adebutu; ex-Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki; ex-Governor Babangida Aliyu, ex-Minister Aminu Wali, ex-Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Bala Mohammed; Chief Dan Orbih and others.

It was gathered that the “Unity List”, which facilitated the election of the new PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and NWC members was the outcome of a tough political compromise by the governors and the new top leaders of the party.

Most of those on the Unity List were anointed candidates of the power brokers.

A breakdown of the list of the concessions by the power brokers is as follows:
- National Chairman—(Uche Secondus)——Governor Nyesom Wike(Rivers)
- Deputy National Chairman(South) —(Elder Yemi Akinwonmi) by Ladi Adebutu(Ogun)
- Deputy National Chairman(North)—(Sen. Gamawa Babawa Garba) by ex-Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed
- National Secretary——(Sen. Ibrahim Tsauri)—by ex-Governor Ibrahim Shema(Bauchi)
- Deputy National Secretary—(Dr. Agbo Emmanuel)—by ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam(Benue)
- National Treasurer—(Hon. Aribisala Adewale)—produced by Governor Ayo Fayose(Ekiti)
- Deputy National Treasurer—(Alh. Wada Masu) —a Personal Assistant to ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali(Kano)
- Financial Secretary—(Abdullahi Husseini Maibasara)—handpicked by ex-Governor Babangida Aliyu
- National Organising Secretary—(Col. Austin Akobundu)—by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State
- National Publicity Secretary—(Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan) —slot conceded to Mark.
- Deputy National Publicity Secretary—(Diran Odeyemi) produced by Governor Ayo Fayose.
- National Legal Adviser—(Emmanuel Enoidem)— by the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Governor Emmanuel Udom
- National Youth Leader— (Ude Okoye)—by Ekweremadu and Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
- Deputy National Youth Leader—(Umar Babangida Maina)—son of a former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina.
It was learnt that others were products of zonal consensus and micro-zoning.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The PDP governors decided to do away with the old order in the party by engaging in fresh political permutations on how to win the general election in 2019.

“In some states, they threw away the baby with the bathwater to please some power brokers. For instance in Ogun State, they opted for Ladi Adebutu’s candidate instead of deferring to ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel.

“In Niger State, the governors romanced ex-Governor Babangida Aliyu and abandoned the likes of a former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana.

“The governors are hopeful that the Unity List can take the party far in 2019. And they are likely to dictate who will be the party’s candidates for some offices, it is evident that they are now in charge of the party.”

But, to another party source, the “so-called Unity List is an ambitious agenda to take over the structure of PDP by the governors”. “We believe that the politics behind the list is projection for 2019 general election,” he said, pleading not to be named.

“They also used the list to split the North in order to test the waters for 2019. For instance, the North agreed to vote en masse for a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran until the Unity List was released and the story changed at the last minutes,” the source added.

The governors’ joker has created a setback for some leaders who indirectly and covertly supported some candidates.

These leaders include ex-Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, ex-Governors Gbenga Daniel, Rashidi Ladoja, Ibrahim Idris, Idris Wada, and Ramalan Yero; Prof. Jerry Gana, Jimi Agbaje, Raymond Dokpesi and ex-Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu, who supported Adeniran.

Others are ex-Minister of Finance Nenadi Usman, ex-Deputy Governor of Bauchi State Abdulmalik Mahmood, former Woman Leader Hajiya Inna Ciroma (the wife of one of the founders of PDP, Alh. Adamu Ciroma).

A PDP leader said: “The advice of some of these leaders did not count. For instance, Gen. Babangida wanted the chairmanship slot for the Southwest but the governors ignored his permutations.

“ If ex-President Jonathan had his way, he would have loved a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Olarewaju Suleiman, to be the party’s National Publicity Secretary. The governors thought otherwise.

“Mantu and Gana did not hide their preference for Adeniran for national chairman, but the intrigues surrounding the election of Secondus caused them a setback.

“Sambo backed Abubakar Mustapha from Kaduna for National Secretary but his candidate lost to the governors’ choice.”

How national chairman, others won

Prince Uche Secondus scored 2,000 votes out of 2,396 votes cast at the party’s national convention, which ended in the early hours yesterday at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

Chairman of the Electoral Sub-Committee of the convention and former Governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswan, announced the results.

“In this contest, nine gentlemen indicated their interests to contest, but here, four of them sent letters of withdrawal and so four were left.

“The other ones we were told have withdrawn but there was no letter to that effect.

“The four gentlemen that contested were Uche Secondus, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Founder of Daar Communications; Prof. Tunde Adeniran, former Education Minister and Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties.

“Secondus scored 2,000 votes; Dokpesi, 66; Adeniran, 230 while Adedoja scored no vote,” Suswan said.

The candidates that withdrew are: Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman; Gbenga Daniel, Rasheed Ladoja, erstwhile Governors of Ogun and Oyo States, respectively, and Jimi Agbaje, PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State in 2015 elections.

Other elected officers are Sen. Babayo Garmawa, Deputy National Chairman (North); Mr Yemi Akinwunmi, Deputy National Chairman (South); Sen. Umar Tsauri National Secretary and Mr Agbo Emmanuel, Deputy National Secretary.

Retired Col. Austin Akobundu is National Organising Secretary, Yakubu Hassan, Deputy National Organizing Secretary; Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, National Publicity Secretary and Diran Odeyemi, Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

Mr Abdullahi Maibasira emerged National Financial Secretary, Irona Gerald, Deputy National Financial Secretary; Aribisala Adewale, National Treasurer; Wada Masu, Deputy National Treasurer; Adamu Mustapha, National Auditor and Arong Divine, Deputy National Auditor.

Mariya Umar was elected National Women Leader, Umoru Hadiza, Deputy National Women Leader, and Emmanuel Enoidem, National Youth Leader.
December 11, 2017
‘Don’t underrate Atiku’

National Coordinator of Yoruba Youth Alliance and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition should not be dismissed with a wave of the hand.

Ojo, who spoke to The Nation on phone, said those dismissing Atiku’s ambition were either playing politics or living in denial.

According to him, since the personality of President Muhammadu Buhari played an important role in the 2015 election, same could repeat itself if Atiku clinches the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His words: “In the 2019 election, party may not mean anything. Nigerians have now discovered that parties are just like vehicles that will take them to their destination. The most important is the driver.”

The party chieftain advised that the APC should not be indifferent to Atiku’s candidature, saying “In 2019, Nigerians would not be bothered about Atiku’s party. Atiku is a political institution, which nobody can underrate.”

“I will not be deceived by the saying in some quarters that nobody will support the former Vice President; those saying that are playing politics and securing their jobs.”

According to him, many APC members who are currently sitting on the fence will follow Atiku out of the APC.

December 11, 2017
Atiku, Dokpesi congratulate Secondus

•Fani-Kayode makes case for peace

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and founder of Daar Communication Chief Raymond Dokpesi have congratulated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus and other officials elected at the party’s just concluded national convention.

Atiku, in a congratulatory message, described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the enemy of Nigeria.

He said it would take a united and coherent PDP to sack the APC government in 2019.

The former vice president, in the statement released by his media office yesterday, said the immediate challenge before the PDP newly elected national officers was to run an all-inclusive administration, where the various interests within the party can find accommodation.

He added that Nigerians are looking up to the PDP for unity in the party, “because it takes a united and coherent PDP to sack the APC government in 2019”.

The statement said: “Our great party, the PDP, is, again, at the threshold of an historical moment. Just as we mobilised to put an end to prolonged military rule in 1999, the people of Nigeria at this moment look up to us to rescue the country from the mis-government of the APC.

“Arising from our elective congress, there should be no victor and no vanquished. Our paramount attention should be focused at sacking a government that deceived the people of Nigeria into power by promising our youths three million jobs annually, only to deliver three million job losses annually; a government that is repeatedly living in denial of its commitment to restructuring. We must be united to take power back to where it belongs: the Nigerian people.

“As members of the PDP, we must take pride in being able to hold a national convention and in so doing live up to the bill of being a truly democratic political party. Our major opponent has not been able to achieve this feat and I join millions of our party members to congratulate the Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee.

“I understand that there are complaints and grievances from many of the co-contestants in the congress. I am aware that the PDP has a mechanism for addressing such complaints and it is important that such avenues of redress are made available for members to explore without let or hindrance.”

Dokpesi, who contested the PDP National Chairmanship position and lost, congratulated the winner.

Dokpesi, who had earlier faulted the process of the party’s National Convention held in Abuja on Saturday, declared that “the delegates have spoken”.

He said: “I appreciate the delegates for voting at the convention and congratulate the newly elected National Working Committee of the PDP led by Secondus.

“You will recall that I said that the PDP must be the ultimate winner at the end of the contest.

“God bless the PDP. Congratulations PDP as I wish all our members the best of luck.”

A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode yesterday asked PDP leaders to sink their differences to support the newly-elected national chairman.

He said the task ahead was to win 2019 general election.

Fani-Kayode, who issued a statement in Abuja, said the PDP must be ready to fight for a greater cause.

December 11, 2017
How PDP can regain power in 2019, by Jonathan, Atiku, Makarfi

•George shuns convention •Aspirant complains about ‘unity list’

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee Senator Ahmed Makarfi yesterday reflected on the 2015 electoral tragedy that hit the party, and declared that it could still bounce back in 2019 poll, if it put its house in order.

The PDP stalwarts spoke at the elective national convention of the party in Abuja.

Four chairmanship aspirants, including Senator Rashidi Ladoja, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and former Lagos State PDP governorship candidate Mr. Jimi Agbaje, announced their withdrawal from the race in ‘the interest of the party’.

Former PDP deputy national chairman, Chief Olabode George, who had withdrawn from the race on the eve of the convention shunned the exercise, although prominent chieftains from Lagos State as George, including Agbaje, Chief Dapo Sarumi and Goke Salvador, witnessed the exercise.

Following their withdrawal, the race was open to four aspirants, including Raymond Dokpesi, Uche Secondus, Tunde Adeniran and Aderemi Olusegun.

Jonathan

A commotion was averted at the venue when an aspirant for deputy national publicity secretary, Demola Kehinde, protested the alleged distribution of what he described as “unity list” to vote along a predetermined pattern.

At the convention, the PDP constitution was amended to allow women to exclusively occupy one of the two positions of deputy national chairmen. The amendment will become operational in January next year.

The event, which kicked off around 11.45 am, was declared open by Makarfi, who appealed to winners in the election to carry along the losers so that the party can foster unity.

Acknowledging the division in the party, which has not faded owing to the competition for party tickets in 2015, party congresses at the state level and competition for party offices, he said members should not close the door of reconciliation.

He said for conflict resolution to replace the culture of litigation in the party, party stalwarts should resolve to make sacrifices and work for harmony.

Makarfi said the onus is on the Post-Convention Reconciliation Panel chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, to listen to the grievances of the aggrieved, ventilate them and reconcile them with the party.

He also urged the new executive committee to always ensure a level playing ground for contestants in the future to avoid a situation whereby fresh problems are created while trying to resolve new existing challenges.

The former Kaduna State governor also urged the new leadership to give room for participation in the affairs of the party to women and youths.

He said future PDP government should set up a Students Loans Scheme to encourage students and stem the prevalent drop out in the tertiary institutions by indigent students.

Urging party faithful not to despair, Dr. Jonathan, who alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was persecuting top PDP chieftains, advised them to endure the pains and resolve to forge ahead with determination.

He said the winners must promote a culture of inclusiveness by carrying along those who lost at the convention.

Dr. Jonathan advised the party to put its house in order, maintaining that it can only regain power as a united family.

He stressed: “PDP should remain at the forefront of leadership by example. I urge members to continue to support the party. PDP has become a strong voice, a reference point as the nation moves closer to another election season. It is growing from strength to strength. Defectors are coming back. There is a reunion.

“PDP is the only stable party that has not changed its name and identity. It continues to make promise and fulfil its promises. Those who will win the election today must carry the losers along.”

Atiku said for PDP to survive, it must creatively cultivate Nigerians and convince them that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated.

He said: “We must work to earn the trust of Nigerians. If we get power, we should use it to work for Nigerians.”

The Waziri Adamawa said the poor performance of the APC will make Nigerians vote for the opposition party in 2019.

He said: “Under the APC, Nigeria is not working and our workers are not working. APC promised three million jobs. Under APC, Nigeria lost three million jobs. Under the PDP, Nigeria was united. Under the APC, Nigeria is disunited, more than it was during the civil war. APC promised restructuring, it has denied promising restructuring. PDP waged war against corruption; APC is waging war against the opposition.”

Atiku lamented that, despite its achievements in 16 years, PDP lost power because it made mistakes.

He added: “We made mistakes, but we put our nation first. APC is blaming previous government, instead of solving problems. Let the PDP get winning again so that it can get working for Nigerians again.”

December 10, 2017
‘Do not underrate Atiku’

The National Coordinator of Yoruba Youth Alliance and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo, has advised that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s bid to become president of Nigeria in 2019 should not be dismissed with a wave of the hand.

Speaking to The Nation on the telephone from his base in Port Harcourt, Ojo said those dismissing Atiku’s ambition are either playing politics or living in denial.

According to him, since the personality of President Muhammadu Buhari which gave APC victory in the election played an important role during 2015 election, same could repeat itself if Atiku manages to clinch the presidential ticket of the PDP.

December 9, 2017