A public affairs analyst and commentator, Alaibi Joseph has explained why former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and others should face former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in an open primary ahead of the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress.
Joseph said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress and others are already jittery over possible Atiku’s tsunami in the 2027 presidential election.
He disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
His comment comes as Atiku became the subject of discussion over his recent declaration to contest.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023 had hinted that
Reacting Joseph wrote that democracy is about choice, not a coronation.
According to him, the Nigerian people have the freewill to choose Atiku as a better replacement for Tinubu in 2027.
He further noted that Atiku is not the reason opposition parties, whether ADC or PDP, are in disarray.
Joseph stressed age should not be a hindering factor against Atiku because of his political experience.
“If the opposition finds itself in disarray today, it is not because Atiku refuses to retire. It is because of fear — fear of internal competition, fear of genuine primaries, and fear of merit prevailing over manipulation. Those who truly believe they have the people’s mandate should not be scared of facing Atiku in an open contest. That is the essence of democracy — the people decide, not a few voices in smoky rooms.”
“Nigeria’s opposition must learn to strengthen its internal democracy. The 2027 race should not be a coronation but a competition — one that tests vision, strategy, and capacity. If Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, or any other aspirant believes they can lead better, they should face the people in open primaries. That is how democratic institutions mature — through contest, not compromise,” he stated.
