Atiku Abubakar's Seventh Bid for Presidency: A Historical Perspective

In a compelling commentary, Femi Fani-Kayode examines the political journey of Atiku Abubakar, who is currently pursuing his seventh bid for the presidency of Nigeria. Abubakar's political aspirations date back to 1993 when he first contested the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, only to lose to the late MKO Abiola. Since then, he has repeatedly sought the highest office in the land through various political platforms, including the Action Congress (AC) in 2007 and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011, 2019, and most recently in 2023.

Fani-Kayode notes that Abubakar's track record includes several notable defeats, having lost to prominent figures such as Umaru Yar’Adua, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Tinubu. This pattern of repeated attempts raises questions about the viability of long-term political ambitions in a nation with a population of over 230 million. As Fani-Kayode points out, history is not particularly kind to individuals who persistently seek the presidency, citing examples from around the world where candidates have faced similar fates.

The commentary also draws parallels with historical figures like Pascual Racuyal from the Philippines and Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, who attempted presidency multiple times, with only Wade achieving success on his fifth and sixth attempts. Fani-Kayode provocatively invites readers to reflect on Abubakar's journey, emphasizing that despite his relentless pursuit, he has yet to secure a victory in six attempts spanning over three decades.

“Every single one of them failed to ever win the presidency of their nations except Wade who won on the 5th and 6th attempts and lost on the 7th,” Fani-Kayode writes, underscoring the difficult odds faced by political aspirants in Nigeria.

As Abubakar embarks on this latest chapter of his political career, observers remain curious about the implications of his seventh bid, not only for his legacy but also for the broader political landscape in Nigeria. Will his experience and persistence finally yield a different outcome, or will he join the ranks of those who have sought the presidency without success?