There’s a saying: “Egungun be careful na express you dey go,” which essentially warns individuals to tread cautiously, especially when embarking on a direct or potentially treacherous path. It’s a sage piece of advice, urging us to be mindful of our actions and decisions, for they may lead to unfavorable consequences.
Yesterday, former Vice President and serial presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, took center stage at a world press conference, where he embarked on a macabre dance reminiscent of the Egungun festival, a celebration where local masquerades showcase their intricate dance moves.
In typical fashion, Atiku seized the opportunity to massage his ego and make claims that were nothing short of deceptive, all in a bid to portray himself as a selfless patriot with the people’s interests at heart.
One of his eyebrow-raising statements was his revelation that in 2007, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the political titan from Lagos, had offered him the chance to run for the presidency under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) banner.
However, Atiku disclosed that Tinubu withdrew his support shortly after because Atiku refused to name him as his running mate. According to Atiku, this led Tinubu to throw his weight behind the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate at the time.
These claims, if not effectively countered, could take root, especially among the younger generation, often referred to as the “Sorosoke generation,” who might not be well-versed in the historical facts. However, Atiku’s narrative raises numerous questions.
In the not-so-distant past, Atiku sought refuge in the ACN, with Bola Tinubu as his political protector, during his skirmishes with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Given this history, it’s puzzling that Atiku would assert that he had the opportunity to make Tinubu his running mate and declined. This contradiction casts doubt on Atiku’s credibility.
Furthermore, we must address the significant role Bola Tinubu played within the ACN. It appears inconceivable that Atiku, who appeared indebted to Tinubu for his political comeback, would reject the opportunity to have Tinubu as his running mate.
This assertion loses even more credibility when we remember that Tinubu was offered the vice-presidential position by General Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and declined, choosing Professor Osinbajo instead. This fact contradicts Atiku’s claims and casts serious doubt on their validity.
Atiku’s assertion that he persuaded Obasanjo not to manipulate the 2003 elections to wrest Lagos from Tinubu is another head-scratcher. The rift between Atiku and Obasanjo arose from Atiku’s audacious attempt to challenge Obasanjo’s presidency in 2003, a betrayal that left a lasting rift. How then could Atiku, who had once aspired to unseat Obasanjo, have held enough sway to prevent him from tampering with Lagos in 2003?
It is important to note that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intentionally aspired for the presidency and was intelligent enough to recognise that serving as vice president may jeopardise that goal. Atiku, on the other hand, has been a serial presidential aspirant since 1993, holding the record for the most presidential bids in Nigeria, if not Africa or the globe.
Tinubu, often described as the “Last Man Standing” among the class of 1999 Governors, remains a potent political force with influence spread across the nation. Atiku’s claims may resonate with some, but they fail to hold water when subjected to scrutiny.
In conclusion, Atiku’s recent claims, when analyzed closely, reveal a web of contradictions and deceit. The warning, “Egungun be careful na express you dey go,” echoes loudly here, urging us to be vigilant and discerning when confronted with political narratives. Truth is our most valuable asset, and it’s our duty to safeguard it.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.
