Adamawa Lawmaker Calls for Atiku's Political Exit Ahead of 2027 Polls
In a significant development ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, Muhammed Basil, a member of the House of Representatives from Adamawa State, has publicly urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from active partisan politics and transition into the role of an elder statesman. The call comes as political tensions intensify across the nation, with various parties positioning themselves for the crucial electoral contest.
Basil's Direct Appeal to Atiku
Speaking exclusively to The Punch newspaper, Basil, who represents the Jada/Ganye/Toungo/Mayo-Belwa federal constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner, emphasized that the time has come for Atiku to step aside gracefully. The legislator argued that allowing younger politicians to take leadership positions would benefit Nigeria's democratic evolution.
"Whatever one does in life, there comes a time to step aside and give way to younger people, especially when age is no longer on your side," Basil stated during the interview. He described Atiku as a powerful and respected political figure whose extensive experience would be better utilized as a national adviser rather than as an active participant in partisan contests.
The Rationale Behind the Call
Basil elaborated on his position by highlighting several key factors:
- Generational Transition: The lawmaker noted that many of Atiku's contemporaries have already exited the political scene, making it honorable for him to transition into an advisory role.
- Legacy Preservation: Basil stressed that exiting active politics at the peak of public acclaim would help preserve Atiku's substantial contributions to Nigeria's development.
- Political Realities: The representative pointed to diminishing returns in political engagement as age advances and political alliances shift.
"When you look back and discover that many of those you once played politics with have left the scene, it is more honourable to take a bow and become a political compass for younger politicians," Basil explained. "Atiku's seat as an elder statesman is waiting for him at the national level."
Family Dynamics and Political Implications
The call for Atiku's political exit comes amid interesting family political developments. Abba Abubakar, Atiku's son, recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move seen as boosting support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite these family political dynamics, Basil asserted that the PDP maintains dominance in Adamawa State, where both he and Atiku have significant political influence.
Atiku's Political Journey and 2027 Ambitions
Atiku Abubakar has pursued Nigeria's presidency six times without success, contesting in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. His most recent attempt saw him as the PDP's presidential candidate in 2023, where he lost to President Tinubu. Despite these setbacks, Atiku has expressed his intention to run again in 2027, promising to bring peace, unity, and economic improvement to Nigeria if elected.
The former vice-president has been vocal in his criticism of the current administration, recently stating that the future of Nigerians has been "effectically mortgaged" to President Tinubu, his family, and associates. Atiku has drawn parallels between Tinubu's alleged integration of business interests into Lagos's public enterprises and similar purported efforts at the federal level.
Broader Political Context
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, several critical issues dominate the political landscape:
- Economic Challenges: Widespread economic hardship continues to affect millions of Nigerians, with inflation and unemployment remaining significant concerns.
- Security Concerns: Long-running insurgency and secessionist violence persist in various regions, creating security challenges for the nation.
- Political Realignments: Defections and coalition formations are becoming increasingly common as parties position themselves for the upcoming elections.
Basil's call for Atiku's political exit represents a significant moment in Nigeria's political discourse, highlighting ongoing debates about generational leadership transitions and the appropriate roles for experienced politicians in the nation's democratic development. As the 2027 elections approach, such discussions are likely to intensify across Nigeria's political spectrum.
