‘Atiku’s 2027 candidacy won’t affect price of garri, rice, or tomatoes’ – Ibe tells critics

Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has responded to recent calls urging Atiku to abandon his 2027 presidential ambition, defending his principal’s right to pursue his political goals.

Prominent figures, including Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, have publicly suggested that Atiku should refrain from running in the upcoming election.

In an interview with Vanguard, Ibe acknowledged that while critics are entitled to their opinions, they should respect Atiku’s freedom to decide his political future. He stated, “Those who argue that His Excellency should not run are entitled to their opinion. Let them present their preferred candidate, support that candidate, and mobilize resources for their campaign. That is the essence of democracy—it allows people to express their choices freely. His Excellency will not stand in their way.”

Ibe further expressed his dismay over attempts to discourage Atiku from pursuing his presidential ambitions. He questioned, “How would Baba-Ahmed have felt if Atiku had told him not to accept his advisory role to Tinubu? I suspect he would have been deeply disappointed.” He emphasized, “No individual has the right to deny another the opportunity to pursue their aspirations.”

Refocusing the debate, Ibe pointed out that the real issue facing Nigeria is not Atiku’s candidacy but the current administration’s performance. “Atiku Abubakar’s decision to run or not is not the root of Nigeria’s problems. The real issue is the incompetent and clueless administration currently in power,” he remarked. He added, “The coalition’s goal is to create a platform strong enough to reclaim and rebuild the country. That is where the focus of well-meaning Nigerians should lie.”

Ibe concluded by questioning the relevance of the political debate to the nation’s pressing economic challenges, stating, “How does Atiku’s potential candidacy affect the price of garri, rice, tomatoes, or onions? It doesn’t.”