As regards 2019 General Election, if I was to pitch my tent with anyone gunning for the nation’s top job, it will be certainly be the Turakin Adamawa and Former Vice President, Alh. Atiku Abubakar. However, the only grey areas in making this decision will be his Age and secondly his movement from party to party which can be understood giving that Political Parties are only a vehicle in actualizing once political ambition hence his journey to seek tickets of political party to adequately contribute to the development of the Nation with his wealth of experience.
With that being said, here are 2 major ideologies that he propagates that has endeared him to the hearts of millions of Nigerians and will most probably win him my support too.
1. His strong stand on Restructuring – In the present debate on the political future of Nigeria the Turaki has stood up to be counted. When it was an anathema for any politician from the far Northern Region of Nigeria to support ‘Restructuring’, a recipe for devolving power from the centre to the constituent states, Atiku Abubakar has been vocal in his support for True Federalism and has been delivering speeches all over the country stressing the need to restructure the country.
2. His pledge to run a youth inclusive government which he recently stated that 40% of his cabinet will be Youths.
#RESTRUCTURING
#YOUTHS
Now outside what he has said, here are some other qualities that has influenced my bias
1. PREPAREDNESS AND POLITICAL CAPACITY: So far, Atiku seem to be the most prepared person as regards a Presidential Candidate as he has been doing so way before now. There is no doubt that he is a tried and tested heavy weight in the Nigerian political firmament, having seen and experienced it all since 1983. He is a middle of the road politician and not fanatical on any issue. A bridge builder with many supporters and admirers in all the geopolitical zones of the country, he, like the late Obafemi Awolowo has solid structures on the ground that ensure mobilization of people and votes at the shortest notice.
2. 21ST CENTURY LEADER: Over time, Atiku has consciously evolved himself to a 21st century leader, Good with technology, follow trends and an active participant in social media! community well populated by Youths.
3. LIBERALISM: Though a Northerner and a Muslim, Atiku seem to be one of the few detribilized and liberal political figure and he has built friendship from almost all parts of the country and enjoys acceptability in almost every region in the country.
4. BUSINESS MINDED: Atiku happens to be a well known business man with enterprises all over the nation and an employer of labour. It is believed that his wealth of Knowledge in managing resources will help the country’s economic fortune.
Considering all these, I strongly believe Atiku will make a better option to what we currently have now; not only because of his amazing qualities, but amongst all, he is the most Prepared.
Ugochukwu Tony Oputa writes from Port Harcourt.
