Former media aide to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, has commended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his presidential screening by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) screening committee.
Onochie, in a statement she signed titled “Atiku Abubakar
Done and Dusted,” described the former Vice President as an approachable leader
capable of ruling over a diverse nation like Nigeria.
According to Onochie: “Today, H.E. @atiku Abubakar was
screened as he prepares for the contest for the presidential ticket of the
African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Atiku Abubakar’s political story is deeply woven into the
Nigerian experience, a bridge across regions, cultures, faiths, and
aspirations. Over the years, Atiku Abubakar has built relationships across
Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities.
“Atiku served as Nigeria’s Vice President (1999–2007) under
Olusegun Obasanjo, building one of the country’s most nationally representative
political partnerships, with the North and South working together in democratic
transition.”
She noted that before politics, Atiku rose through the
Nigeria Customs Service, where he worked alongside Nigerians from different
ethnic backgrounds, shaping his reputation as a consensus-builder with broad
national exposure.
Onochie said the former Vice President founded the American
University of Nigeria in Yola, attracting students and faculty from every
region of Nigeria and several African countries, reflecting his belief in
education as a unifying force.
She said: “Atiku is widely associated with market-driven
economic reforms, but he also consistently frames economic growth as something
that must benefit farmers in the North, traders in the East, entrepreneurs in
the West, and oil-producing communities in the South-South alike.
“Though from Adamawa State, Atiku has long projected a
pan-Nigerian identity, speaking multiple northern languages and maintaining
political, business, and social relationships across Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,
Itsekiri, Ijaw, Tiv, Nupe, Anioma, Kanuri, Urhobo, and many other communities.
“His repeated presidential contests over the years have made
resilience part of his political identity, a persistence many supporters across
ethnic and religious lines interpret as commitment to democratic participation
rather than entitlement.
“His business interests in logistics, agriculture, and
energy have connected him with producers, transporters, industrialists, and
workers from across Nigeria’s diverse economic corridors.
“Atiku often argues that government should empower
enterprise rather than dominate it, a philosophy that resonates with the
trading culture of the South-East, the commercial drive of the South-West, and
the agricultural backbone of the North.
“Supporters frequently point to his investment in education
and youth development as proof that he sees Nigeria’s greatest resource not in
oil or politics, but in human capital across all ethnic groups and regions.
“Both critics and admirers acknowledge Atiku’s vast national
network in politics and business. To supporters, this reflects experience and
bridge-building.
“Atiku has consistently advocated national unity through
inclusion, often emphasizing that Nigeria works best when no ethnic group,
religion, or region feels excluded from power or opportunity.
“His political alliances over the years with leaders from
the South-West, South-East, Niger Delta, Middle Belt, and Northern Nigeria have
reinforced his image as a politician who thrives on coalition-building in a
highly diverse country.
“Many who know him, and I can now attest to it, agree that
his communication skills, humility, and selflessness stand him out as an
approachable leader, qualities needed to preside over a diverse nation such as
ours.
“Your Excellency, I wish you all the best in the coming
days. Arise and shine, Nigeria.”
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