Segun Adewale, chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Lagos State Party chairman, strongly recognized the presidential ambitions of former vice-chairman Atiku Abubakar, who participated in the 2027 election.
Naija News Adewale reportedly calls Atiku the “Messiah” of Nigeria, it needs to restore its struggling economy and address the challenges of the country. He further stressed that no one should have politically fired Attico or told him to leave the party.
Adewale’s recognition is criticized in criticism of Atiku’s desire to president in the PDP.
Key figures such as former PDP deputy state chairman, Bode George and former governor Ayodele Fayose, have advised Atiku not to run on the 2027 platform.
George recently called on Atiku to immediately resign from the PDP for alleged anti-party activities, while Fayose vowed to oppose Atiku’s bid if he chose to compete.
However, Adewale rejected the calls in a chat with the Nigerian News Agency on Friday and asserted that Atiku’s leadership and experience made him a suitable candidate to drive the country towards progress.
“He (atiku) was tested and tried by a few politicians who felt satisfied, and he never gave up. He knew Nigerian politics and compared to other politicians, we knew our challenges, they just wanted to seize power to gain wealth, Advar said.
Adewale was further disappointed, with the fiercest opposition to Atiku coming from the PDP itself. He condemned members of the party for opposing Atiku’s proposed alliance to defeat all Progressive Congresses (APCs) and restore PDP to power.
“Anyone in the PDP said Atiku should not compete for the opposition rather than for the party or the country in 2027. Advar asserted.
He further argued that critics in the PDP were for selfish interests rather than partisan or state interests. “All the opposition voices in our party are working for their stomachs rather than Nigeria.” He added.
Adwar also refuted the notion that opposition parties, including Peter Obi Labour, might defeat the dominant APC alone.
“Neither the opposition party can defeat the ruling party alone, nor even Mr. Peter Obie of the Labor Party.” Adewale said that the importance of unity within the opposition camp was emphasized.
Given the current political climate, Adwar called for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system to ensure a fair and credible process.
He lamented his alleged election malfeasance in Lagos State, claiming that the flawed system had taken his victory in the previous election.
“It has nothing to do with how smart we are, it has nothing to do with the system. It has nothing to do with how popular you are, it has something to do with the system. We have to work together to correct this before the 2027 poll,” Adwar urged.
Adewale summed up his remarks by addressing the general frustration of Nigerians in poverty governance. He asserted that voters were eager to change leadership and new ways of leadership.
“Nigerians are tired of poor governance and demand change and breathe fresh air.” He said.
