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Why Atiku Abubakar Cannot Succeed Obasanjo

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4 months ago

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The Sunday Magazine – Political Desk Feature

As Nigeria moved closer to the 2007 general elections, political attention was heavily focused on the complex relationship between President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. A front-page headline from The Sunday Magazine captured the debate succinctly: “Why Atiku Abubakar Cannot Succeed Obasanjo.” The article reflected the prevailing political tensions, intra-party struggles, and the battle for succession within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Background: The Obasanjo-Atiku Partnership

Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned politician and businessman from Adamawa State, rose to national prominence in the late 1990s. As Obasanjo’s running mate, he played a critical role in the PDP’s victory in the 1999 and 2003 elections. Initially, their partnership seemed mutually beneficial: Obasanjo brought national appeal as a former military Head of State, while Atiku commanded grassroots loyalty, particularly in the North, and maintained extensive political networks.

However, by the second term of the administration, their alliance had begun to fracture. Ideological differences, conflicting ambitions, and control over the PDP machinery became flashpoints. By 2005, tensions had escalated to the point where open rivalry was undeniable.

The Third Term Agenda and Its Fallout

One of the central issues straining their relationship was the alleged “Third Term Agenda.” Reports suggested that Obasanjo and his loyalists were exploring a constitutional amendment that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2007. Atiku was among those who resisted this move, positioning himself as a defender of democratic succession.

This resistance came at a political cost. Obasanjo’s allies within the PDP began sidelining Atiku, undermining his access to party structures. The Sunday Magazine article emphasized that this political rift significantly reduced Atiku’s chances of emerging as Obasanjo’s chosen successor.

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The PDP Machinery and Atiku’s Challenge

The PDP, as Nigeria’s dominant political party at the time, was the main platform for electoral success. However, its control rested in the hands of the President and the party’s National Executive Committee. The magazine noted that the “National Chairman of the All Peoples Liberation Party (APLP)” even weighed in, observing that without Obasanjo’s blessing, Atiku’s path to the presidency through the PDP was nearly impossible.

The article highlighted how Obasanjo, through influence over party primaries, campaign funding, and state apparatus, could effectively block Atiku’s candidacy. Internal suspensions, corruption allegations, and orchestrated media attacks further weakened the Vice President’s standing.

The Road to 2007 and Atiku’s Dilemma

As the 2007 elections approached, Atiku faced mounting obstacles. His strained relationship with Obasanjo, the loss of influence within the PDP, and the possibility of disqualification due to corruption probes all combined to erode his political prospects.

The Sunday Magazine analysis argued that even though Atiku commanded significant grassroots support and had loyalists across the North, these factors alone were insufficient to overcome the machinery of the ruling establishment. The conclusion was clear: Obasanjo was unlikely to hand over power to his Vice President, and without Obasanjo’s endorsement, Atiku’s chances of succeeding him were slim.

Legacy of the Rift

History later confirmed much of this analysis. Atiku eventually defected from the PDP and joined the Action Congress (AC), under which he contested the 2007 presidential election. He finished third, behind Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (the PDP candidate) and Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Obasanjo, true to predictions, had instead endorsed Yar’Adua as his successor, ensuring Atiku was sidelined.

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This episode marked a turning point in Nigerian politics, exposing the fragility of alliances built on convenience rather than trust. It also showcased the dominance of incumbency and party machinery in shaping succession.

The Sunday Magazine headline, “Why Atiku Abubakar Cannot Succeed Obasanjo,” was not mere speculation—it reflected the political reality of the time. Despite Atiku’s popularity and ambition, the combination of Obasanjo’s resistance, PDP’s internal structures, and lingering corruption allegations ultimately blocked his path. The struggle between the two men remains one of the defining stories of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, underlining the often bitter and personal nature of political succession in the country.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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11 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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15 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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