In a recent statement, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, revealed that he played a crucial role in safeguarding the political career of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku stated that without his support, Tinubu’s tenure as the governor of Lagos State during the early part of the Fourth Republic might have been jeopardized.
Vice President Kashim Shettima echoed similar sentiments during the inauguration of the Vice Presidential Lodge in Abuja, stating that Tinubu provided refuge to both Atiku and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, during their times of persecution. Shettima specifically mentioned that Atiku sought support from Tinubu’s residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos, when he faced harassment and expulsion from the PDP.
However, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, responded to Shettima’s statement, asserting that it was actually Tinubu who benefited immensely from Atiku’s goodwill. According to Atiku, his support, based on his pro-democracy ideals and commitment to the rule of law, played a significant role in ensuring the smooth running of Tinubu’s governorship in Lagos State. Atiku contended that without his intervention, Tinubu’s political career could have faced numerous challenges and even a potential impeachment.
Atiku also emphasized the need to set the record straight regarding the political landscape of the early Fourth Republic. He clarified that the Action Congress (AC), under which he ran for the presidency in 2007, was not Tinubu’s party, as wrongly propagated. Atiku highlighted that the AC emerged from a coalition of the Advance Congress of Democrats, mainly comprising members of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), and Tinubu’s faction of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Furthermore, Atiku emphasized that Tinubu did not possess the authority to provide him with a platform, as he was nominated by delegates from all states during the primary election. Atiku listed the prominent figures who participated in the primary, demonstrating the diverse support he garnered from various political leaders.
Amidst the political discussions surrounding the upcoming 2023 elections, Atiku called for accuracy in the historical accounts of the early Fourth Republic. He urged Vice President Shettima to refrain from commenting on topics about which he possesses limited knowledge.
The claims made by Atiku regarding his support of Tinubu shed light on the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics. They highlight the interplay between political alliances, personal relationships, and the efforts of key figures to navigate the challenges of the Nigerian political landscape.
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