Atiku Abubakar recently made headlines by insisting that only the African Democratic Congress (ADC) can pull Nigeria out of its economic and security mess. Speaking at the ADC’s Taraba State office inauguration, he painted a picture of past failures, arguing that parties like the PDP and APC could not deliver security, jobs, or growth. He presented himself as a man with experience across multiple political parties, claiming that this gives him the insight to finally bring real change.
But while Atiku positions himself as Nigeria’s potential savior, many see his move as self-serving. Switching parties so close to an election raises questions about whether his motivations are truly for the public good or simply to secure a political platform for himself.
Oshiomhole Challenges the Claim
Not everyone agrees with Atiku’s assessment. Adams Oshiomhole, former APC chairman, criticized the move, arguing that Atiku’s long political history shows little evidence of transformative leadership. He pointed out that Atiku’s shifts between parties, leaving the APC after failing to get its presidential ticket and returning to the PDP without making major changes, cast doubt on his ability to deliver meaningful results now.
Oshiomhole’s critique taps into a larger frustration among Nigerians: politicians often change parties without producing tangible progress. For many citizens, experience alone is not enough if it does not translate into real improvements in security, jobs, and governance.
The Political Context
Nigeria’s political environment is complicated. Party switching is common, and the ADC move comes just 17 months before the 2027 elections. Analysts suggest that Atiku is attempting to present himself as a fresh alternative, distancing himself from past failures. While some supporters may see this as a chance for new policies and reforms, critics argue it’s just another strategic maneuver by a seasoned politician.
The move also highlights the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigeria: weak institutions, ongoing security threats, and an economy that struggles to generate jobs. Any political claim about being able to “save” the country must contend with these structural issues, not just promises or party affiliation.
What Nigerians Should Consider
Atiku’s statements raise the question of whether one man and a relatively small party can make a real difference. Some argue that claiming to have a solution while having failed to deliver in the past suggests self-interest more than genuine reform. On the other hand, supporters may feel that a break from the old party system could open opportunities for new ideas and policies.
The stakes are high. Citizens must weigh promises against track records and consider whether loyalty to political experience or demand for accountability should guide their vote.
Can He Deliver?
Atiku’s appeal to the ADC as the vehicle for change is ambitious. Yet history shows that political longevity does not automatically translate into the ability to fix entrenched problems. His move appears more tactical than transformative, raising doubts about whether ordinary Nigerians will see tangible improvements under his leadership.
Bottom Line
While Atiku positions himself as the champion of reform, the reality is that past actions, political maneuvering, and party switching make it hard to trust that he can deliver real results. Nigerians face a critical choice: follow the promise of experience or demand accountability and evidence of competence. Atiku’s path through the ADC may excite supporters, but it also highlights the limits of relying on one politician to resolve systemic challenges in the country.
The debate over leadership, trust, and capability will shape the political landscape as the 2027 elections approach, and ordinary citizens will ultimately decide if this is a path to real change or just another political move.
