As conversations heat up ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has found himself at the centre of national discourse, this time, over his age and perceived indifference to zoning. In this exclusive interview with Tracy Moses of Pointblanknews.com, Atiku’s spokesman, Mr Paul Ibe, defends his principal’s vision for Nigeria, and why competence must trump zoning.
Critics say Atiku is too old and dismissive of Nigeria’s zoning arrangement as it concerns the 2027 presidential election?
Age is not a liability, it’s an asset. Atiku’s age comes with experience, institutional memory, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s complexities. What Nigeria needs now isn’t zoning rhetoric, but capable leadership. We’re in an emergency. Competence must take priority over sentiments.
But zoning remains a sensitive issue. Isn’t Atiku’s ambition undermining national consensus?
Zoning has historical value, yes. But leadership isn’t about turn-taking; it’s about who can deliver results. Atiku isn’t running out of entitlement. He’s stepping up to responsibility. His agenda is unity, inclusion, and pragmatic governance, not political patronage.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the former Vice President of betrayal and inconsistency. What do you make of this?
Wike is entitled to his views, but let’s stick to facts. Atiku has always championed restructuring and national inclusion. He contested the PDP primary fairly and won. That doesn’t make him inconsistent. If anything, Wike himself understands the politics of ambition. Let’s not confuse positioning with principle.
A Labour Party chieftain, Dr. Katchy Ononuju, says Atiku is trying to hijack opposition coalitions for personal gain
That’s false! Atiku supports coalition-building, but based on mutual respect, not coronations. You don’t ask someone to abandon their ambition without dialogue. Coalition means collaboration, not coercion. Atiku entered the talks in good faith.
Concerns over Atiku’s health persist. He’ll be 80 in 2027. Can he handle the demands of office?
Absolutely! Let’s stop reducing leadership to age. The world has seen capable leaders in their 70s and 80s, Trump, Biden, name them. Atiku is fit, mentally sound, and full of ideas. What matters is clarity of vision and strength of purpose.
What specific policies would distinguish an Atiku presidency?
In the power sector, Atiku advocates decentralisation, enabling states to generate and distribute power. That’s practical federalism. On subsidy removal, he’s always supported it, but with a phased plan and strong safety nets, not the sudden, punitive approach we saw last year.
What’s your take on Tinubu’s economic reforms?
Reform without empathy is punishment. Nigerians are struggling. What good is a N70,000 minimum wage if a bag of rice costs N80,000? Atiku believes in cushioning economic policies with real support for the vulnerable.
Critics say Atiku lacks ideological consistency due to multiple party switches.
Atiku is consistent in his ideas, restructuring, inclusive governance, and economic reform. Nigeria’s political landscape lacks ideological depth, and his movement across platforms was in pursuit of vehicles aligned with his vision. Focus on his record, not his political address.
What message does Atiku have for Nigerians as 2027 approaches?
Nigeria is at a tipping point. We can’t afford to choose leaders based on emotion or convenience. Atiku offers tested, focused, and inclusive leadership. His campaign won’t be built on rhetoric but on real plans to rebuild Nigeria, with compassion, competence, and courage.