BUHARI vs ATIKU: a choice between idealism and realism Atiku Abubakar has today officially declared his intention to vie for the presidency under APC. What most people also anticipate is the declaration of Gen. Buhari and less likely Governor Rabiu kwankwaso in days to come. But before such a declaration, its not completely weird to assume Atiku a former VP and Gen. Buhari would be the heavyweight contenders of this biggest opposition party the nation has witnessed. For me, let start by saying, I would prefer if a totally new generation leader emerges because Nigeria truly needs to turn a new page in its political life without the old players. Evidently Its now a wishful thinking. It would seriously had been good for the nation because each of these two political juggernauts has on the other hand equal heavyweight antagonists, disadvantages and is mared by one or two political blunders some citizens may not easily forgive. Let me just mention some random points. Why random? Yes because what easily comes to mind is the most important thing in common life. Gen. Buhari is the truest opposition and most credible. His is a genuine opposition right from the word go. He is ideal. Unfotunately his most ardent antagonist are his colleagues. The former oil generals, the business class and tycoons. They have sworn over their dead bodies. Truly speaking those enjoying the Nigerian steal I dare call it corruption are not too keen about the peoples general. So what? Does it matter? The answer depends on the respondent. If you are naive you may think it doesnt matter. Allah de. (Wallahu ala kulli shain qadeer. - i.e Allah has power over all things ). If you are a political guru, of course it matters. In fact its the crux of the matter. (Wa atainahu min kulli shain sababa - i.e. We ... granted him means of access to every thing.) thus everything has means of access. These means are what Atiku Abubakar has a clear edge over Buhari. That class of people that loathe the General are more comfortable with Atiku. For three consecutive attempts at the presidency, the main drawback of the general is finance. Even his closest party members were not ready to bring out billions for his campaign and party activities. I could remember in 2007 elections, ANPP with 7 states; Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Borno, Jigawa and Yobe didnt lavishly sponsored his campaign. If there is anything that dragged back his ambition previously is his lacking in attracting funding. Neither the masses nor the elites aided enourmosly his financial needs. Now with the prevalent relative poverty across the nation is his situation going to be any better? Well if the masses are not configured or ready to contribute generously for his campaign in the tunes of billions then the Gen. should do his teaming followers a favor. Let not the ship sink or the momentum lost. let him endorse who can mobilize funds. Chosing the lesser of two evils is a religious obligation. The SW can do the billing but at this critical period of struggle for existence such would be an adventure I dont want to say suicidal. In the past Ribadu enjoyed their patronage but was left alone to fend for himself. At least they have their states secured. One should not blame them. The Hausas say you cant impregnate and also back-carry the baby. Atiku though less popular than Buhari in the North can balance it with the rest of Nigeria. Atiku is a political fighter. He was an affront to the third term bid. Hes more a Democrat. He doesnt need to go an extra length to prove otherwise to an international community. But still if you dont have enough funds or cannot mobile funds just be realistic. Allow those who can. If Buhari or even Atiku are sure they cannot meet the financial demands of this historic presidential race let them usher one who can. Its no more time for guesswork or experimentation or naivety. People need deliverance. Moreover collectively every individual has a role to contribute. It shouldnt be me or none. We cannot all be president, but we can all put one there. The fantasy of our idealism should not becloud our sense of realism. Let us encourage all to work in unison. The greatest leaders are those that step down for progress. Alhassan the son of Ali for Muawiyah, Sardauna for Tafawa Balewa and Mandela for a second term. Between Buhari and Atiku, Allah Knows the Best for us. May He guide us right. Amin
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:34:57 +0000
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