Anyone that has been following the political trends in Nigeria since the coronavirus pandemic began will not hesitate to see Atiku’s political moves ahead of 2023. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the 2019 presidential election.
He lost to incumbent Muhammadu Buhari and his body language now suggests that he intends to contest again. Interestingly, Atiku’s name was among the long list of prominent Nigerians that donated money to the federal government to fight the spread of the coronavirus and to support poor people during the lockdown.
Since his case at the supreme court was dismissed, Atiku has been making inputs in national discussions and his voice is often heard on national issues.
Various unofficial media groups especially on social media have been created by his supporters to canvass support for his ambition. Atiku has been contesting for the position of president since his exit from office as vice president during the Obasanjo administration.
His emergence as the favored candidate of the PDP during the PDP Portharcpourt convention was a big surprise to many people who felt that he was not very popular.
Atiku emerged ahead of big names like Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Shekarau among others. He enjoyed massive support from many parts of the country but failed to win the election.
He is seen as a politician with so many antics. That is why his critics think that he has loudly been advising the government on critical economic decisions even though his words have not been taken seriously.
The PDP is a viable opposition party and other politicians that have presidential ambition have to beware of Atiku’s grand influence in the party. He is said to have solid control over the structures of the PDP nationwide and if he chose not to contest, he may decide who will get the party’s ticket.
2023 is still 2 years away but in Nigeria, politicking often begins as soon as one election ends. His followers are hopeful that 2021 will determine whether he still has the political influence to clinch the PDP ticket again.
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