Ayobanna Ikeanumba
In the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, the quest for the presidency has often been marred by regional, ethnic, and political dynamics. Among the key players in this arena is Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned politician and former Vice President of Nigeria. While he has positioned himself as a unifying figure capable of leading the nation, many argue that his ambitions and political maneuvers have inadvertently become an obstacle to the realization of an Igbo presidency.
In historical context the Igbo people, one of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups, have long sought representation at the highest levels of government in Nigeria. The civil war and subsequent state orchestrated marginalization have left deep scars, fueling a desire for political equity and recognition. Many people believe that the time has come for an Igbo leader to assume the highest office in the land.
Since 1999, the political path in Nigeria has followed either the All Progressive Congress (APC), an amalgamation of few parties, especially the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. The second path is the People’s Democratic Party, PDP formed in 1998 by very prominent progressive elderly Nigerians led by late His Excellency, Dr Alex Ekwueme (Ide Oko)
Up untill years 2025, the Igbo of the South East Nigeria, have not been followers of the APC dues to ideological differences, but has been 99% PDP.
Each of these two major parties have, though not written, but gentlemanly agreed to the rotation of presidential leadership between the North and South. APC has no clear pathway for presidential candidate from the Igbo region. This is because of very poor representation of the Igbo in the party.
This is very different in PDP where 99% of the Igbo are members. As at 2023, without much drama, the North having presented a President —for the constitutional two terms– in the person of Mohammed Buhari, the rotation should go to the South. Among the southern regions, only the Igbo South East have not had a President from their region.
This natural arrangement was truncated by Atiku Abubakar, who though from the same North as the immediate past, insisted to contest the presidency. This singular action disorganised the naturally agreed sequence in the national polity.
Common sense would have prevailed that another presidency to succeed Mohammed Buhari would be insensitive.
This triggered all manner of scheming that brought death to opposition politics as many leaders of his PDP defected to the ruling APC to fight the PDP.
One of the primary criticisms of Atiku Abubakar is his approach to political alliances. In a bid to secure votes and consolidate power, he has often aligned himself with various political factions, including those that have historically marginalized the Igbo. This has led to perceptions that he prioritizes personal ambition over the collective aspirations of the Igbo people.
For instance, during the 2023 elections, Atiku’s alliance with the Northern political elite was seen as a strategic move to bolster his chances of winning. As explained earlier, this alliance came at a cost, as it sidelined the interests of the Igbo, who were looking for a candidate that would champion their cause. By focusing on securing votes from the North, Atiku inadvertently reinforced the status quo, which has often excluded the Igbo from the presidency.
Further, Atiku has often touted the narrative of national unity, emphasizing the need for a leader who can bridge the divides between Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. While this is a noble goal, critics argue that it has been used as a smokescreen to maintain the existing power dynamics that favor certain regions over others. The Igbo, who have historically faced political exclusion, find themselves at a disadvantage in this narrative.
By positioning himself as a candidate for all Nigerians, Atiku risks diluting this specific needs and aspirations of the Igbo people. The call for an Igbo presidency is not merely about ethnic representation; it is about addressing historical injustices and ensuring that the voices of all Nigerians are heard. Atiku’s reluctance to fully embrace this narrative has led many to view him as an obstacle rather than an ally in the quest for Igbo representation.
However, for the Igbo to achieve their long-desired presidency, there is a pressing need for a shift in the political paradigm. This shift requires leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for equitable representation. Any candidate from the Northern states, –at any time the rotation should go South– with entrenched political, desires, ties and alliances, may not be the catalyst for this desired change. This is where the question, why is Atiku Abubakar, still working hard for the only formidable opposition presidential ticket in 2026 in the Africa Democratic Alliance: the ADC?
The Igbo community must rally behind candidates who genuinely represent their interests and aspirations, going forward. This means the goal should be to support individuals who are committed to addressing the historical grievances of the Igbo and who are willing to challenge the existing power structures that have perpetuated their marginalization.
Atiku Abubakar’s political journey has been marked by ambition and a desire for national unity. However, his actions and alliances, at very decisive times, have often placed him at odds with the aspirations of the Igbo people for presidential balance in the country. He may not be the only obstacle, but been always the most prominent presidential candidate from the North, who stands at odds to the peaceful rotational presidential arrangement, has clearly placed him as insensitive to the need to actually entrench national unity through the need to encourage a presidential candidate in his party from the Igbo extraction.
