Ayo Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, has made headlines by advising Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to step away from contesting elections.
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Fayose expressed his belief that Atiku should move on from political contests.
This comes after Atiku’s multiple failed attempts to secure the presidency in Nigeria.
The former vice president has tried to win the highest office in the land six times: in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
He faced three losses during primaries alone.
Fayose’s comments raise important questions about Atiku’s future in politics.
“I am sure at this stage, with all due respect to him, he would rather want to stay away from politics of contesting elections again,” Fayose stated.
He suggested that the excitement of running for president may no longer appeal to Atiku as he approaches his eighties.
“Atiku Abubakar will probably be 80 or 81 by the next election cycle, so what will be the attraction?” Fayose added.
The former governor emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders in Nigeria.
“We should leave the stage when the ovation is loudest,” he said.
“Respecting the wishes of the younger generation is crucial for the future of our country,” he stressed.
While Fayose’s views may seem critical, Atiku remains hopeful about his political aspirations.
In a May interview with Voice of America Hausa, the 77-year-old politician indicated that he would not back down from running for president.
He stated, “God willing,” when asked if he would try again in 2027.
Atiku argued that as long as he has “strength, good health, and long life,” he would continue to pursue his ambitions.
He also compared himself to Abraham Lincoln, the former president of the United States, who ran for office seven times.
“Didn’t Abraham Lincoln vie seven times?” he asked rhetorically, highlighting his own determination to persist in politics.
However, Fayose expressed concern about the current state of the PDP.
He lamented that the party’s once-strong structure has deteriorated over the years.
“The structures that made the party great have collapsed,” he said.
Fayose pointed out that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has become a more recognizable figure in the opposition against the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As I always say, we can defeat the APC, but when we don’t have a party, how can we defeat them?” he asked.
Fayose’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some party members who feel that the PDP is losing its relevance in Nigerian politics.
He highlighted the importance of unity and strong leadership within the party to challenge the ruling APC.
“When we complain about the APC but don’t have a party, it undermines our credibility,” he stated.
The PDP’s struggles in recent years have opened the door for other parties, like the Labour Party, to gain traction among the electorate.
Obi’s prominence in the last election has shifted public attention away from the PDP.
“The press will call Obi rather than the PDP,” Fayose noted, emphasizing the need for the party to regain its voice in the political arena.
Fayose’s critique of Atiku and the PDP’s current situation comes at a crucial time for Nigeria.
As the PDP grapples with internal crises and declining support, the future of the party remains uncertain.
“Where is the party?” Fayose asked, pointing to ongoing issues like suspensions and internal conflicts within the PDP.
The former governor’s comments may resonate with many Nigerians who are looking for change.
His advocacy for a younger generation of leaders highlights a common sentiment among the electorate.
Voters are increasingly frustrated with the same old faces in politics, especially those who have failed multiple times.
