Kaduna State former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has made a provocative remark about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, labeling him a "serial contestant" in Nigerian politics. El-Rufai, known for his sharp political commentary, made the statement during a recent interview, criticizing Atiku’s repeated bids for the presidency.
According to El-Rufai, Atiku’s consistent runs for office having contested the presidency multiple times suggest a pattern of persistent ambition without a clear, transformative impact on the country. “Atiku has been a serial contestant,” El-Rufai remarked. “He has run for president several times, but what has been the outcome? It’s time for new leadership that can bring fresh solutions to Nigeria's problems.”
The comment comes as the country gears up for the next election cycle, with many speculating whether Atiku, who has been a significant figure in Nigerian politics for decades, will once again throw his hat into the ring. El-Rufai’s remarks seem to reflect growing impatience from some quarters of the political landscape with established figures and their repeated candidacies.
Atiku, a stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has yet to respond to El-Rufai’s characterization. However, his supporters argue that his experience and track record as a former vice president position him as a credible contender capable of leading the country through its current challenges.
El-Rufai’s comments have sparked a wave of reactions from political observers, with many questioning whether such statements will further deepen the divisions within the political elite or inspire a shift toward new leadership options for Nigeria. As the election season looms, the debate surrounding Atiku’s role in Nigerian politics is sure to intensify.
