TALES BY MOONLIGHT

Atiku's fate will hinge on voter choice, asserts PAUL IBE Akin Osuntokun's recent piece, "Atiku Abubakar Cannot Heckle His Way to the Presidency," featured in THISDAY on October 16, 2026. The article raises concerns over its reliance on alleged private conversations from the past to judge the former Vice President's eligibility.

One notable example is Osuntokun's reference to a tale told by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, who reportedly heard military President Ibrahim Babangida warn former President Olusegun Obasanjo about Atiku's presidential capabilities. However, this account lacks concrete evidence and appears to be a fabrication rather than a factual account.

Another point of contention is Osuntokun's emphasis on Obasanjo's endorsement of Atiku in 2018, while neglecting Obasanjo's public praise of Atiku's leadership qualities. This selective focus on a single statement disregards the broader context and undermines the analysis. Osuntokun also questions Atiku's age and repeated bids for the presidency, suggesting that these factors should disqualify him.

However, such arguments are inconsistent, as they would apply equally to other candidates like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The author's attempt to project a narrative of opposition fragmentation solely on Atiku's actions fails to acknowledge the complexities of political parties and the collective responsibility of their members.

Addressing the President by his given name is also deemed a non-issue, as it does not constitute a constitutional violation or a sign of desperation. Ultimately, the decision to vote for Atiku rests with the Nigerian electorate, who must weigh his qualifications, performance, and ability to lead the nation against other candidates.