POLITICS: ATIKU HAS MORE COLORS THAN THE RAINBOW

The political propaganda machine of the major parties in Nigeria has witnessed the swiftest evolution in the past few months; from two-wheeled machines (motorbike) to jets of supersonic speed.  Reeling out lies and counter lies at immeasurable speed. Observers hardly know what to believe!  

The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued statements that suggest the willingness of former Vice President Atiku Abubukar to return to the PDP. While that was yet to be verified, about 120 purported Atiku support groups has already defected to the PDP, where they received a warm welcome. Atiku himself denies any involvement.

However, Vice president Atiku has made flag transitions more than any other politician of his status in Nigeria. His political position since 2003 has had as many colors as the rainbow. This is either a response to a deep yearning to serve or the suicidal impatience that kills a political career. Only Atiku can advise people on what the motives are.

He is arguably, a very formidable force in Nigerian politics. This is shown by the wooing and counter wooing he receives from within and outside his party at any given time. The supporters he has gained for his self is great. Their near-docile willingness to join him in his rainbow colored transitions is also a demonstration that he is a leader with a magic control of his followers.

Following Goodluck Jonathan’s recent meeting with the former vice president, the presidency announced that Atiku is on sabbatical leave in APC. An article by Sahara Reporter claimed to have had a conversation with him following this meeting. In this conversation, he admitted that the president has requested for his support to which he gave an outright NO? This is slightly divergent and too coincidental with the action of his support groups that happened immediately after this meeting. (They are on their own, it was said!)

During the APC primaries, all contestants (Buhari, Okorocha , Nda-Isaiah and Atiku) committed to a pact to support whoever emerges from the party. So long as he has not made any pronouncements in favor of PDP, he is indeed keeping the promise.  But as long as his loyal?? Supporters continue to declare for the PDP (days to the election) he may, as well, be reviewing many promises.

Atiku is a relatively young politician with a good political future. The coming years could hold some real promise for the leader, depending on where he decides to build his house.

 In any case he will surely be required to consolidate his many rainbow colors into a single and conspicuous one. Whether that is red or green is a decision he has to make in the face of an increasingly political conscious electorate.