The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has noted with concern that since 1999, political figures such as former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s governance landscape, often contributing to the very crises they now seek to address.
Director of Strategic Communication for DWI, Dr AbdulRazak Ahmed, said in Abuja yesterday that their tenures have been marked by controversial decisions, including dubious fuel subsidy payments and their abrupt removal, which exacerbated economic hardships for the populace.
He said their legacies raised critical questions about their current coalitions and genuine commitment to reform. He added that the assertion that Atiku and El-Rufai are “all over the place attempting to deceive the people that they are saviours” underscores a critical perspective on their political manoeuvres.
He said this movement had given rise to growing scepticism among the electorate regarding the authenticity of their claims and intentions. As these figures seek to position themselves as solutions to pressing societal issues, it raises questions about their past actions and the credibility of their promises.
“The history of these politicians is one marred by contradictions and a lack of accountability. All of them were integral to forming the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party that has been in power for several years.
“Their current criticisms of the APC, which they helped establish, raise questions about their sincerity and the motivations behind their sudden shift in allegiance. It is essential for Nigerians to remember that these politicians were not merely bystanders in the political process; they were key players who benefited from the systems they now denounce,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has witnessed a plethora of challenges, including economic instability, widespread corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. He added that despite the opportunities presented by their long tenures in government, these politicians have little to show for their years of service.
“The citizens have endured the consequences of their decisions, particularly regarding the subsidy regime. They benefited from subsidies during their time in power, only to later advocate for their removal, leading to increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
“The removal of subsidies was implemented under the guise of economic reform, yet it disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable segments of society, exacerbating poverty and suffering.
“While the nation has grappled with the devastating impacts of insurgency and banditry, Atiku and his allies have remained conspicuously silent, folding their arms as communities were ravaged and lives were lost. This hypocrisy is not merely a political misstep; it is a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon them by the electorate,” he said.
He said that as Atiku prepared to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 election cycle, he had assembled a coalition of disgruntled and irrelevant political figures. These individuals have long overstayed their welcome in a political landscape yearning for genuine leadership.
He noted that this coalition, which includes a parade of political has-beens such as the former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former secretary to the government of the federation Babachir Lawal, serves as a glaring testament to the lack of credible vision for Nigeria’s future.
“Their gathering was less a strategic alliance and more a shameful display of political theatre, revealing their desperation to regain relevance amid a populace that has grown weary of empty promises and failed governance.
“In a misguided effort to position themselves as champions of democracy, Atiku and his companions have condemned the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State, labelling it unconstitutional. Yet, it is both shameless and embarrassing for leaders like Atiku and El-Rufai, who once thrived under the very system they now criticise, to present themselves as saviours of Nigerian democracy.
“Their hypocrisy is glaring; they were silent when the nation faced crises, including the removal of fuel subsidies that have plunged countless Nigerians into suffering. Now, they seek to capitalise on the discontent they helped create, attempting to rebrand themselves as defenders of democracy while ignoring the consequences of their past actions,” he said.
“The Democracy Watch Initiative serves as a crucial reminder to Nigerians that these individuals lack the competence and moral authority to lead. Their track record is marred by complicity in decisions that have led to the current state of despair in Nigeria. Atiku, El-Rufai, and their coalition are not the answer to our problems; they are part of the system that has repeatedly failed us. Their attempts to repackage themselves as guardians of democracy are nothing more than a thinly veiled ruse to distract the public from their past failures and the damage they have inflicted on our nation,” he added.
