In a bold and heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar sought to address lingering concerns among Nigeria’s Yoruba population regarding his potential presidency in 2027. The statement, issued through his media consultant, Mr. Kola Johnson, underscored Atiku’s deep personal and familial ties to the Yoruba people, while firmly dismissing fears that his leadership would disproportionately favor his Fulani ethnic group. Atiku’s remarks are a strategic move to consolidate support in the South-West, a region that has historically played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. This article expands on Atiku’s assurances, contextualizes his relationship with the Yoruba, and examines the broader implications of his pledge in the context of Nigeria’s complex socio-political dynamics.
A Personal Connection to the Yoruba
Atiku’s statement is rooted in a deeply personal narrative, emphasizing his long-standing connection to the Yoruba people through his family. He highlighted his marriage to Mrs. Titi Abubakar, an Ijesha-born Yoruba woman, whom he wed in the 1970s. The former vice president described this union as a cornerstone of his bond with the Yoruba, noting that it has produced four children who proudly identify with their Yoruba heritage. “I count myself extremely lucky to have had a wife from amongst this noble species of the human race, which by this token implies that the bond uniting me together with the Yoruba is aptly like the genetic bond of a family,” Atiku declared. This statement is not merely a personal anecdote but a deliberate appeal to Yoruba voters, signaling that his connection to the South-West is not superficial but rooted in familial ties that span decades.
Atiku’s reference to his wife as his “Jewel of Inestimable Value” and the affectionate nickname “Baba Rere” (Good Father) bestowed upon him by his Yoruba children further humanizes his appeal. By invoking these personal details, Atiku seeks to present himself as a leader who transcends ethnic divides, capable of empathizing with and prioritizing the aspirations of the Yoruba people. His marriage to Titi, now over 75 years old, serves as a testament to the enduring nature of this bond, which he claims has only strengthened over time. This narrative is particularly significant in a country where ethnic affiliations often shape political loyalties, and Atiku’s emphasis on his Yoruba family is a calculated effort to assuage fears of ethnic favoritism.
Dismissing Fears of Ethnic Bias
One of the central themes of Atiku’s statement is his effort to dispel concerns that his presidency would prioritize the interests of his Fulani kinsmen over other ethnic groups, particularly the Yoruba. He described such fears as “absolutely unfounded,” arguing that his track record and personal disposition demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and fairness. “Anyone who knows me will tell you with all sincerity that as a person, I am naturally a highly detribalised person. Even before politics, I flowed easily and effortlessly with people of diverse tribes, ethnicity, religion, and sectarian differences,” Atiku asserted. This claim is intended to reassure Yoruba voters, who may harbor reservations about supporting a northern candidate, given Nigeria’s history of ethnic tensions and regional rivalries.
Atiku’s assertion of being “detribalised” is not merely rhetorical but is supported by his long history of political and social engagement with diverse groups. As a former vice president and a perennial presidential candidate, Atiku has cultivated relationships across Nigeria’s ethnic and regional divides. His statement highlights his friendships and alliances with Yoruba individuals, both within and outside the political sphere, as evidence of his ability to bridge ethnic gaps. By positioning himself as a unifier, Atiku seeks to counter narratives that portray him as a northern-centric leader, a perception that could alienate voters in the South-West.
The South-West’s Political Significance
The South-West, dominated by the Yoruba ethnic group, is a critical battleground in Nigerian politics. With six states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti—the region commands a significant portion of Nigeria’s voting population and economic influence. Historically, the South-West has been a kingmaker in presidential elections, often determining the outcome by aligning with either northern or southern candidates. In the 2023 presidential election, the region overwhelmingly supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a Yoruba native, contributing to his victory over Atiku, who ran under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku’s pledge to prioritize Yoruba interests must be understood in this context. The South-West’s political clout makes it a strategic priority for any candidate seeking national office, and Atiku’s statement is a calculated effort to court Yoruba voters ahead of the 2027 election. By emphasizing his personal ties to the region and promising that Yoruba interests would occupy a “topmost place” in his governance, Atiku is signaling his intent to challenge the APC’s dominance in the South-West and appeal to voters who may be disillusioned with the current administration.
Atiku’s Political Journey and the 2027 Ambition
Atiku Abubakar’s political career spans over three decades, during which he has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most prominent and resilient political figures. Born in Jada, Adamawa State, in 1946, Atiku rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Customs Service before entering politics in the late 1980s. He served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yoruba man, during which time he played a significant role in shaping the country’s economic reforms. Since then, Atiku has contested the presidency multiple times, including in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2019, and 2023, often running on platforms that emphasize national unity and economic development.
In the 2023 election, Atiku secured the PDP’s presidential ticket but finished second to Tinubu, who capitalized on his strong base in the South-West and alliances in the North. Despite this loss, Atiku remains undeterred, and his recent statement is a clear indication that he is already laying the groundwork for another presidential bid in 2027. By addressing Yoruba voters directly, Atiku is attempting to broaden his appeal beyond his traditional northern base and position himself as a candidate capable of uniting Nigeria’s diverse regions.
The Yoruba Question in Nigerian Politics
Atiku’s outreach to the Yoruba is particularly significant given the historical dynamics of Nigerian politics, where ethnic and regional considerations often shape electoral outcomes. The Yoruba, along with the Igbo and Hausa-Fulani, are one of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups, and their political influence cannot be overstated. The South-West has produced several prominent national leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, and President Tinubu, all of whom have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.
However, the Yoruba have also expressed concerns about marginalization in national politics, particularly during periods when northern or eastern leaders dominate the presidency. These concerns were amplified during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015), a southerner from the Niger Delta, when some Yoruba leaders felt their region was sidelined in favor of other groups. Atiku’s promise to prioritize Yoruba interests is an attempt to address these historical grievances and assure the South-West that his presidency would be inclusive and responsive to their needs.
Challenges and Opportunities for Atiku
While Atiku’s statement is a strategic move to win over Yoruba voters, it also comes with challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the perception of ethnic favoritism, which Atiku has sought to counter by emphasizing his detribalised nature. However, convincing skeptical voters will require more than personal anecdotes and assurances. Atiku will need to articulate a clear policy agenda that addresses the specific concerns of the South-West, such as economic development, infrastructure, and security, particularly in light of the region’s growing concerns about issues like banditry and kidnapping.
Another challenge is the entrenched influence of the APC in the South-West, bolstered by Tinubu’s political machine. As a former governor of Lagos State and a key figure in the APC, Tinubu has built a formidable network of loyalists in the region, making it difficult for opposition candidates like Atiku to make significant inroads. To overcome this, Atiku will need to forge alliances with influential Yoruba leaders and grassroots organizations, while also leveraging his national stature to appeal to younger voters who may be open to alternative leadership.
On the other hand, Atiku’s long political career and experience as vice president provide him with significant advantages. His tenure under Obasanjo was marked by economic reforms that laid the foundation for Nigeria’s telecommunications boom and other developments, which he can point to as evidence of his ability to deliver results. Additionally, his cross-regional appeal, as demonstrated by his diverse personal and political connections, positions him as a candidate who can bridge Nigeria’s ethnic and regional divides—a critical quality in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
The Broader Implications of Atiku’s Pledge
Atiku’s pledge to prioritize Yoruba interests is not just about winning votes in the South-West; it is also about signaling his vision for a united Nigeria. By emphasizing his personal ties to the Yoruba and his commitment to inclusivity, Atiku is attempting to present himself as a leader who can transcend the ethnic and regional fault lines that have long defined Nigerian politics. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges, including economic stagnation, insecurity, and political polarization.
The South-West, as a key economic and political hub, will play a critical role in determining the outcome of the 2027 election. Lagos, the region’s economic powerhouse, is not only Nigeria’s commercial capital but also a melting pot of ethnic groups, making it a microcosm of the country’s diversity. By appealing to Yoruba voters, Atiku is also reaching out to other groups in the South-West, including non-Yoruba residents who contribute to the region’s cosmopolitan character.
Moreover, Atiku’s statement comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with significant challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. The South-West, despite its relative economic strength, has not been immune to these issues, with many residents expressing frustration with the current administration’s handling of the economy and security. Atiku’s pledge to prioritize Yoruba interests could resonate with voters who feel neglected by the current government, provided he can back it up with a credible and actionable plan.
Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar’s assurance that Yoruba interests will be a priority in his potential presidency is a strategic and deeply personal appeal to one of Nigeria’s most influential ethnic groups. By highlighting his familial ties to the Yoruba, dismissing fears of ethnic bias, and emphasizing his detribalised nature, Atiku is positioning himself as a unifying figure capable of addressing the concerns of the South-West while appealing to Nigeria’s broader population. However, his success in winning over Yoruba voters will depend on his ability to translate these assurances into concrete policies and build alliances in a region dominated by his political rivals.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 election, the South-West will remain a critical battleground, and Atiku’s outreach to the Yoruba is a calculated step toward securing their support. Whether he can overcome the challenges of regional politics, ethnic perceptions, and the APC’s dominance in the South-West remains to be seen. For now, Atiku’s pledge serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of ethnic and regional dynamics in Nigerian politics and the need for leaders who can navigate these complexities with skill and sincerity.