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Remain an elder statesman Datti tells Atiku
In a significant political development within Nigeria’s political landscape, Garba Datti Muhammad, the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued thoughtful advice to two prominent political figures—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai—regarding their political futures as the nation looks toward the 2027 general elections.
Muhammad, who previously served in the House of Representatives, directed particularly pointed counsel to Atiku Abubakar, suggesting that the former Vice President should reconsider his apparent presidential ambitions. “As we approach the next general elections, you are at it again,” Muhammad noted, referencing what he perceives as Atiku’s strategic maneuvering within and potentially beyond his current party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC leader’s concern stems from indicators that Atiku may be contemplating coalition-building with “aggrieved politicians” to mount a challenge against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. Muhammad frames his advice to Atiku in terms of both personal and national interest, noting that by the next presidential election, Atiku would have reached 80 years of age—suggesting that maintaining his current role as an elder statesman might better serve both him and the nation.
To reinforce this perspective, Muhammad invoked the example of former Vice President Muhammad Namadi Sambo, who has maintained a dignified elder statesman position since completing his term in 2015, implying this represents a more appropriate post-service role.
Muhammad’s counsel extends beyond age considerations to question what new policy approaches Atiku might offer, particularly noting that Atiku himself has historically advocated for subsidy removal policies similar to those currently being implemented. The APC official pointedly referenced Atiku’s leadership role in privatization initiatives during the Obasanjo administration, when he chaired the privatization committee while El-Rufai served as Director General of the Bureau for Public Privatization.
In addressing former Governor El-Rufai, Muhammad expressed profound disappointment regarding his departure from the APC, particularly given El-Rufai’s foundational role in establishing the party and his eight-year governance under its banner. Muhammad highlighted an apparent contradiction between El-Rufai’s current actions and his previous statement in 2022 that leaving the APC would mean quitting politics altogether—suggesting El-Rufai should either reconcile with the party or honor his earlier commitment to exit politics completely.
The APC leader further questioned El-Rufai’s transition to critic of the current administration, noting that El-Rufai himself had previously declared disinterest in positions within President Tinubu’s government. “Why should you turn to a critic overnight just because you perceived things were not going your way when you had unfettered access to the leadership of the party and the President?” Muhammad asked.
On broader strategic political considerations, Muhammad cautioned against what he termed potential “political miscalculations,” particularly speculating about party defections. He specifically addressed rumors about PDP governors potentially joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), arguing that established political structures would likely prevent such movements: “No PDP governor will join the SDP because their party already has a structure on the ground. Who will leave certainty for uncertainty?”
Muhammad also emphasized the importance of regional rotation principles in Nigerian politics, suggesting that as someone who supported shifting the presidency to the South in 2023, El-Rufai should now support allowing the South to complete a full eight-year tenure before advocating for returning the presidency to the North.
The APC official concluded his address by highlighting what he characterized as significant achievements under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly noting unprecedented representation of the North West in national leadership positions. He detailed the region’s current prominence, including holding both the Speaker of the House of Representatives position (from Kaduna State) and the Deputy President of the Senate position (from Kano State)—marking the first time in Nigerian history that two presiding officers of the National Assembly have come from the same geopolitical zone.
Muhammad further cataloged numerous ministerial appointments from the North West region, including leadership of critical ministries such as Defense, Budget and National Planning, and Environment, along with key military appointments like the Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Air Staff.
In his regional assessment, Muhammad highlighted specific developments in Kaduna State, including the establishment of seven higher education institutions and approval of a metro rail line valued at approximately 250 billion Naira, which he suggested would significantly improve transportation challenges for Kaduna residents.
His statement concluded with a positive assessment of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, noting strengthening of the Naira currency, decreasing food prices, and what he characterized as a gradually improving economic outlook following subsidy removal policies.