The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Youth Council has flayed recent comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the upcoming presidential election, saying the utterances displayed “blind ambition” rather than leadership.
In a recent interview with Arise TV, Atiku spoke about his political trajectory and ambitions, ADC presidential aspirants, as well as what might become of the party in the coming months.
In a statement released by Mallam Mohammed Rabiu, the council expressed disappointment over the former Vice President’s comments, labeling them a significant setback for the burgeoning coalition.
The statement highlighted the ongoing crisis in Atiku’s home state, Adamawa, as evidence of a leadership vacuum. The group noted that the failure to harmonize Congress lists left high-profile supporters, including Senators Aisha Binani and Ishaku Abbo, disgruntled and on the brink of ditching the party.
“It is a shame that his own state is engulfed in crisis due to a lack of quality leadership,” the statement read. “Instead of Atiku inviting key actors to a meeting to resolve these issues, he has ignored the complaints of Senators Binani and Abbo to identify with Babachir Lawal. Like charity, leadership should start from home.”
The Council further asserted that the legal challenges initiated by Nafiu Bala Gombe must be resolved before any debates regarding “popularity” can take place. Rabiu argued that, at nearly 80, Atiku should be playing a father figure role and moral compass for the coalition rather than competing with the very people he is supposed to lead.
The ADC youth council appealed to other prominent leaders, including former governors, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rotimi Amaechi, to exercise restraint. The group urged them not to be drawn into a “media war” with the former Vice President Atiku. The group commended them for, “so far,” ignoring what he described as Atiku’s “outbursts.”
Noted the group, “Those around the former Vice President are misleading him for personal financial gain. He appears to be oblivious of the fact that his leadership influence has warned,” Rabiu stated.
The statement concluded with a note of caution that Atiku’s recent actions have created more problems for the ADC coalition than the legal battles involving Nafiu Bala Gombe and Hon. Leke Abejide. The Council cautioned that vaulting ambition remains the greatest threat to the unity currently being built among the coalition’s leadership.
