As expected, Nigerians, including political pundits, have been reacting to the emergence of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in next year’s presidential election.
Majority of the commentators attribute the Waziri Adamawa’s victory to his three decades experience in politics and three times as a contender for that office.
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Many also expressed their views on the dilemma the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) finds itself in, on who to pick to match Atiku’s political prowess. A development that I find nothing, but sheer naivety on the part of the pundits, and total selfishness on the part of the APC leadership.
It is absolutely, crystal clear that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only experienced politician on the would be list of the APC presidential primary election ballot that can match the former Vice President in terms of everthing.
Like Atiku, Tinubu is the only candidate in APC that has a three decade-old political structure, contituency acceptance and a nationwide network of political allies and friends he would deploy for campaign. He worked with many and some he mentored and they will transverse the nooks and corners of this country to sell his manifesto to the people.
Also, like Atiku, the Jagaban Borgu is a Muslim and will naturally neutralise any bigotry that will arise during the campaigns. He will be accepted both in the North and the South, unless if Southerners prefer to vote for a Northern Muslim than a Southern Muslim.
I am really happy that former President Jonathan withdrew from the race as reported by some newspapers this morning, citing that his name was missing from the list of the APC presidential candidates that have been billed for screening today.
It is the best decision for him, because had he remained on the ballot, he would have been humbled and that would have forever diminished his standing in the eyes of his countrymen as well as the international community.
As an APC party loyalist, I am optimistic that with Tinubu at the helm after May 29, 2023, Nigeria will experience a magical transformation beyond imagination. His footprint as Lagos State Governor for eight years is there for all to see. During his reign, his administration was referenced for excellence that other states sent high powered government officials to understudy his programmes and copy.
The APC will be making a grave mistake if it backs any other candidate, Northerner or Southerner, other than the Jagaban. He is no match to any of the prospective candidates when it comes to vision, experience and delivery of dividends of democracy. He is a no contest.
- Iyawa is Nigeria’s former ambassador to Mexico
