2027: Should Atiku Withdraw from the Race and Find Peace, or Continue and Live with Regrets?

By: Dr James Bwala

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, political conversations are already gathering momentum. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains one of the country’s most experienced opposition figures and a familiar name in presidential politics. Yet experience, recognition, and persistence do not always guarantee victory. At a certain point, every political leader must confront an important question: Is continued participation an expression of courage, or has it become an unwillingness to accept political reality?

For Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 election may represent another opportunity to contest for the presidency, but it may also become the moment when he must decide whether to withdraw from the race and preserve his legacy. Continuing without a realistic path to victory could expose him to another painful defeat, deepen divisions within the opposition, and leave him with regrets about refusing to recognise changing political circumstances. There is no shame in surrendering when the political environment no longer favours a candidate. In some cases, withdrawal is not weakness; it is wisdom.

The central argument is not that Atiku lacks ability or experience. On the contrary, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience. He has contested presidential elections several times, built a national political network, and remained influential in Nigeria’s democratic development. However, politics is not merely a contest of personal ambition. It is also an exercise in timing, coalition-building, public confidence, strategic calculation, and the ability to recognise when a different generation or political arrangement is better positioned to succeed.

The signs surrounding the 2027 race suggest that Atiku may face a difficult and frustrating contest. A political image of Atiku struggling to wear a new pair of shoes, while Rotimi Amaechi attempts to assist him, offers a powerful metaphor. The shoes may represent a political arrangement, a coalition, or a new strategy that does not fit comfortably. Despite assistance, the effort ends in frustration, with the shoes thrown away. Whether viewed as symbolism, intuition, or political interpretation, the image reflects the difficulties that may confront Atiku as he attempts to build another presidential campaign.

A presidential campaign requires more than determination. It requires a structure capable of carrying the candidate to victory. Such a structure must include a broad and united coalition, strong party machinery, financial capacity, effective communication, popular enthusiasm, and a message capable of connecting with voters across Nigeria’s diverse regions. It must also persuade voters that the candidate represents a credible change from the existing administration. If any of these elements is missing, even an experienced politician can struggle.

Atiku’s previous campaigns demonstrate both his strengths and his limitations. He has consistently enjoyed national recognition and has been able to attract supporters across different parts of the country. However, his repeated attempts have not produced victory. Each failed campaign carries lessons, but it also creates political fatigue. Some voters may begin to question whether a candidate who has contested several times can offer a genuinely new direction. Others may prefer a younger or less familiar figure who symbolises generational change.

The issue of age and political renewal will likely be central in 2027. Nigerian voters, especially younger citizens, are increasingly demanding leaders who understand their economic realities, technological environment, and aspirations. They want employment, security, affordable education, reliable electricity, healthcare, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in national development. A campaign built primarily around past experience may not be sufficient. The opposition must present not only a candidate but also a convincing future.

Atiku’s greatest challenge may therefore be the changing political mood. A candidate who was once viewed as a strong alternative may find it more difficult to inspire the same level of enthusiasm after multiple contests. Political parties and alliances also change. Individuals who were once allies may pursue their own ambitions, while former supporters may move to different political platforms. In such circumstances, a campaign can become an exhausting struggle to recreate a coalition that no longer exists in its previous form.

The emerging political landscape could also favour the incumbent. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima possess the advantages associated with incumbency: access to national visibility, established party structures, government influence, and the ability to present themselves as the centre of political attention. If the administration succeeds in improving economic conditions, strengthening security, and demonstrating measurable development before 2027, it may enter the election with a stronger position than the opposition expects.

A scene of Tinubu and Shettima dancing on a stage while Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso watch in shock can be understood as a metaphor for opposition fragmentation. It suggests a situation in which opposition leaders remain divided while the ruling party consolidates its position. Such division could be decisive. If major opposition figures compete against one another rather than forming a united front, they may divide the anti-government vote and make victory easier for the incumbent.

Nigeria’s electoral history shows that opposition parties rarely succeed when their leaders are unwilling to compromise. Presidential victory requires broad support beyond a candidate’s traditional base. It requires strategic partnerships and, in many cases, difficult personal sacrifices. If Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, and other influential figures all pursue separate ambitions, the opposition may repeat the mistakes of previous elections. Their supporters may be passionate, but passion without coordination can produce defeat.

This is why Atiku should seriously consider whether withdrawal could serve a larger national purpose. By stepping aside, he could help create space for a new opposition arrangement. He could support a younger candidate, negotiate a stronger coalition, or become a respected elder statesman whose influence extends beyond personal ambition. Withdrawal would not erase his political contributions. Instead, it could demonstrate that he places the stability and future of Nigeria above the desire to occupy the presidency.

Some may argue that withdrawing would amount to surrendering his dream. But a political dream must be assessed against reality. Persistence is admirable when it advances a meaningful objective; it becomes counterproductive when it ignores evidence. A leader who continues indefinitely despite declining prospects may eventually be remembered less for his accomplishments than for his refusal to recognise when it was time to step aside.

There is also a personal dimension to the decision. Presidential campaigns are demanding, expensive, and emotionally draining. They expose candidates to criticism, betrayal, public disappointment, and intense political pressure. A candidate who enters another race without a strong likelihood of success risks subjecting himself and his supporters to another cycle of anxiety and frustration. If the outcome is another major defeat, the political consequences may be more damaging than those of a voluntary withdrawal.

Atiku’s legacy should not be defined only by whether he eventually became president. His career includes important contributions to public service, democratic politics, and the development of political institutions. He has played significant roles in national debates and has remained an important figure in Nigeria’s political history. He can preserve that legacy by making a decision that reflects maturity and foresight.

However, withdrawal alone is not enough. If Atiku decides not to contest, he should use his influence to promote a credible democratic alternative. He could encourage opposition leaders to establish transparent rules for selecting a candidate, resolve regional and ideological disputes, and produce a common programme focused on economic recovery, security, social welfare, and institutional reform. He could also mentor younger politicians and support internal party democracy.

The greatest danger to the opposition is not necessarily the strength of the ruling party; it is the opposition’s inability to organise itself. A divided opposition can turn every leader into a candidate but no one into a winner. The lesson of 2027 should therefore be that personal ambition must not overwhelm collective responsibility. Political leaders must understand that the ultimate objective is not simply to appear on the ballot. It is to offer Nigerians a realistic, competent, and united alternative.

Atiku may still decide to contest, and he has every constitutional right to do so. No political interpretation or personal vision should be treated as an unquestionable fact. Elections are determined by voters, organisations, campaign quality, public sentiment, and verifiable political developments. Predictions can stimulate debate, but they cannot replace evidence or democratic choice. The final decision must be based on careful polling, grassroots feedback, coalition strength, and a realistic assessment of the electoral environment.

Nevertheless, the warning remains relevant. If the political cloud does not favour Atiku, continuing may bring more frustration than fulfilment. The image of struggling with shoes that do not fit captures the danger of forcing a political journey under unfavourable conditions. Sometimes the most courageous decision is not to continue walking at all costs but to stop, reassess, and choose a more meaningful path.

Atiku should therefore consider withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race—not as an admission of personal failure, but as an act of political wisdom. He could find peace in knowing that he served his country, contributed to democracy, and helped prepare the way for a stronger generation of leaders. If he continues without a viable route to victory, he may win admiration for his persistence but eventually live with the regret of having ignored the signs around him.

There is no shame in surrendering when surrender prevents greater damage. In politics, as in life, timing matters. A leader’s greatness is measured not only by the battles he fights but also by the battles he chooses to avoid. By withdrawing, Atiku may lose a place on the ballot, but he could gain something more enduring: respect, influence, peace, and a legacy of putting Nigeria’s future above his personal ambition.

• James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja
• 2027: Should Atiku Withdraw from the Race and Find Peace, or Continue and Live with Regrets?

2027: VP Shettima Rallies Northern Artists For President Tinubu’s Second Term

** *Says president’s reelection non-negotiable for Nigeria’s prosperity, national unity

** *As northern-based professionals in creative industry pledges full support for president’s return, election of all APC candidates

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM, has appealed to northern-based professionals in the creative industry to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT in the interest of fairness and the unity of the Nigerian project.

He said the President deserves the support of the North, assuring the group of Northern artists that the Tinubu administration will continue to support the growth of the entertainment industry in the region.

Speaking on Wednesday during an audience with a delegation of Northern Performing Artists under the auspices of Triple-R For Renewed Hope at the All Progressives Congress (@officialAPCNg) campaign office in Abuja, Senator Shettima emphasised that the region stands to benefit significantly from the administration’s creative economy initiatives.

According to him, President Tinubu deserves the collective support of the North, as the federal government under his watch was implementing policies designed to empower local talent, stimulate cultural preservation, and generate economic opportunities through the creative arts.

Underscoring the importance of reciprocal support from Northern stakeholders to ensure the seamless execution of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Vice President assured the delegation that the federal government will continue to roll out targeted interventions to support regional artists, filmmakers, and musicians.

On the gains of the reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration, VP Shettima urged the group to remain steadfast with the government and the APC as a party, maintaining that the benefits of its programmes and policies will continue to manifest across different sectors in the coming months and years.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, said the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections would be based on facts and achievements, while urging support groups and individuals to be guided by the performance of the administration.

He also called on creative industry professionals to disregard claims by political opponents about the exclusion of the North in terms of appointments and projects, stating that the region has been fairly treated by the current administration and remains an integral part of the country’s democratic journey.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director General, Parliamentary Mobilization, APC Presidential Campaign Council and former governor of Katsina, Aminu Bello Masari, thanked the creative industry professionals for their resolve to support all APC candidates, including President Tinubu, in the forthcoming general elections.

He said the programmes of the Tinubu administration and its policies are positively impacting the fortunes of creative industries, urging professionals to leverage the opportunities enhanced by the administration to improve their lives and livelihoods.

Former Kano State Governor and APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked the group for their support. He urged them to stand for justice, fairness, and inclusiveness to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

Acknowledging the commitment, love and passion of the group in supporting the party’s candidates across all levels, Ganduje insisted that Triple-R For Renewed Hope remained one of the most organic support groups of the APC in the country.

He advocated the enhancement of the entertainment industry in Nigeria through the provision of infrastructure and training of upcoming artistes from the region.

For his part, President of Triple-R For Renewed Hope, Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara, pledged the support of the group for the reelection of President Tinubu and all other candidates of the party across thw north.

He noted that northern Nigerian creatives remain focused on building a united front to support the reelection of President Tinubu and regional APC candidates.

He said the support of northern-based professionals was organic and based on performance, noting that all professionals in the film industry from the northern part of the country were united in supporting all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

Also, National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Lawan Ahmad, and Secretary of Triple-R For Renewed Hope, Alhaji Ahmad Bifa, who spoke separately, expressed their readiness to work for the success of President Tinubu and all the APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

They sought the support of the federal government in the reorganisation of the creative industry in northern Nigeria, particularly in the provision of the necessary infrastructure and wellbeing of professionals.

2027: VP Shettima Rallies Northern Artists For President Tinubu’s Second Term

2027: President Tinubu, Health Rumours, Politics And Response of Confidence and Responsibility

By: Dr James Bwala

Rumours about the health of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have travelled far and wide, especially in the camps of the opposition, who speak about it with pride and confidence. Within the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC corners talks and whispers rent the humid air with silent prayers. But it is common for everyone to fall sick, with no barrier between the mighty and the lowly. The rich and the poor all have tasted it either way. In politically competitive environments, sadly, it becomes a celebration of sorts to see an opponent in a weakening state, even if it is illness. So the rumours take the air about President Tinubu. This has generated anxiety, affected public confidence, and distracted attention from important national issues with such mindless imagination in politics. However, at the end of his vacation in the United Kingdom and France, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed speculation about his health during an interview in Lagos. In a brief but confident statement, he said, “I enjoyed myself. Ready to kick, ready to walk – there is nothing wrong. Rumours will always be emanating from politics, but the fact remains I am here healthy, sound and ready to go.”

The president’s response was more than a personal denial. It was a direct attempt to reassure Nigerians, challenge opposition narratives, and redirect public attention toward the responsibilities of governance. His words presented a picture of a leader who was physically active, mentally prepared, and willing to continue discharging his duties. While public officials must be open and accountable about matters that affect their ability to govern, the president’s statement also reminds the public that political rumours should not automatically be treated as facts.

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The central strength of President Tinubu’s response was its simplicity. Rather than offering a long explanation or engaging in an extended argument with his critics, he used a few direct words to communicate confidence. The expressions “ready to kick” and “ready to walk” conveyed energy, mobility, and readiness. His declaration that there was “nothing wrong” was intended to remove doubts and reassure citizens who might have been concerned by reports circulating in political and media circles.

In an age when public figures often respond to rumours with lengthy statements, legal threats, or aggressive attacks on their opponents, the president’s brief response was strategically effective. It demonstrated that he did not consider the claims serious enough to require an elaborate defence. By stating that he had enjoyed himself during his vacation and was returning healthy and sound, he presented himself as calm rather than defensive. This tone can be persuasive because confidence is often communicated not only through the content of a message but also through the manner in which it is delivered.

The president’s response also placed the rumours within the wider context of politics. His observation that “rumours will always be emanating from politics” acknowledged a reality of democratic competition. Opposition parties and political actors frequently scrutinise the government and may use every opportunity to question the competence, strength, or stability of those in power. Such scrutiny is legitimate when it is based on facts and directed toward the public interest. However, political competition can become harmful when it relies on unverified claims, personal attacks, or speculation about an individual’s private condition.

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Health rumours are particularly sensitive because they concern both personal privacy and public responsibility. On one hand, every individual, including a president, has a right to dignity and reasonable privacy. On the other hand, the president’s health is a matter of national interest because the office involves demanding constitutional, administrative, and diplomatic responsibilities. Citizens are entitled to confidence that their leader is capable of carrying out those responsibilities. This balance requires transparency without sensationalism and accountability without cruelty.

President Tinubu’s statement attempted to achieve that balance by offering a direct public assurance. He did not dismiss the concerns of citizens as entirely irrelevant; rather, he addressed them by affirming his physical condition and readiness to work. His words suggested that Nigerians should judge his capacity through his visible activities and official performance, not through rumours circulated for political purposes.

The president’s response was also important because uncertainty can have consequences beyond public discussion. Persistent rumours about the health of a national leader may affect investor confidence, government morale, international perceptions, and the stability of political institutions. In a country facing economic pressures and social challenges, unnecessary uncertainty can deepen public anxiety. A clear message from the president can therefore help to reduce speculation and restore attention to policy matters.

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Nevertheless, reassurance alone cannot permanently resolve questions about a leader’s health. In a modern democracy, trust is built through consistent transparency and observable performance. Citizens may accept a president’s statement, but they also expect to see evidence of effective leadership in the form of regular public engagements, active participation in government affairs, and the timely execution of official duties. Words are important, but they gain credibility when supported by action.

For this reason, the president’s assurance should be understood as the beginning of a broader responsibility rather than the end of the matter. If the administration wishes to prevent health rumours from recurring, it must maintain a clear and credible communication strategy. The presidency should provide timely information about the president’s official schedule, public engagements, and periods of absence. Such communication would not require the disclosure of private medical details. It would simply enable citizens to distinguish between legitimate information and politically motivated speculation.

The opposition, for its part, also has a responsibility to conduct itself with restraint. In a democracy, the opposition is expected to question government decisions, expose weaknesses, and offer alternative policies. It should not, however, rely on unverified health claims as a substitute for substantive criticism. The most effective opposition is one that challenges the government on issues such as economic management, unemployment, security, education, healthcare, and institutional accountability. Personal rumours may attract temporary attention, but they do little to advance national debate.

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A political system becomes healthier when criticism is focused on performance rather than personal attacks. If the opposition believes that the president is unable to perform his duties, it should present credible evidence and use constitutional and democratic channels. If no such evidence exists, spreading rumours is irresponsible. It can damage not only the reputation of the president but also the credibility of the opposition and the stability of the nation.

The media also plays a major role in shaping public understanding of health-related claims. Journalists have a duty to verify information before publishing or broadcasting it. Sensational headlines based on anonymous sources, social media posts, or political gossip can create unnecessary fear. Responsible journalism should distinguish between confirmed facts, official statements, and unverified allegations. It should also give the public context rather than simply repeating rumours.

At the same time, citizens must develop the habit of evaluating political information critically. Social media has made it possible for false claims to spread rapidly, often before facts can catch up. A photograph, video clip, or anonymous message may be presented as proof of illness even when it has been taken out of context. Nigerians should therefore ask important questions: What is the source of the information? Has it been independently verified? Is the claim supported by credible evidence? Could it be part of a political strategy?

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President Tinubu’s choice to respond personally was significant because it placed his own voice at the centre of the discussion. In political communication, personal engagement can be more effective than a statement issued solely by aides. By speaking in Lagos and describing himself as healthy, sound, and ready to work, he sought to show that he was not hiding behind official machinery. His response communicated immediacy and confidence.

However, the effectiveness of such a response depends on the public’s existing level of trust. Where citizens already have confidence in a leader, a brief assurance may be sufficient. Where distrust is widespread, a simple denial may not satisfy everyone. This is why the broader conduct of the administration matters. Transparency in governance, regular communication, and visible institutional accountability can strengthen the credibility of presidential statements.

The president’s words also reflected a determination not to allow political rumours to define his administration. By saying that he was “ready to go”, he presented himself as focused on the work ahead. This is particularly important for a country facing complex challenges, including economic hardship, inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and institutional reform. The nation needs its political leaders to concentrate on solving these problems rather than spending excessive time responding to every allegation.

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Yet dismissing rumours should not mean dismissing legitimate public concern. Political leaders must understand that citizens are not always motivated by malice when they ask questions about a president’s health. In many cases, concern arises from the importance of the office and from past experiences in which information was withheld from the public. A respectful and transparent response is therefore preferable to insults or intimidation. The public deserves facts, while the president deserves fairness.

Ultimately, President Tinubu’s statement was persuasive because it combined personal assurance with a broader criticism of political rumour-mongering. His message was short, direct, and confident: he had enjoyed his vacation, remained physically capable, and was prepared to continue his duties. By describing the rumours as a product of politics, he urged Nigerians to separate genuine public interest from partisan speculation.

The proper response to the president’s statement should be neither blind acceptance nor automatic disbelief. Nigerians should respect his assurance while continuing to judge his fitness for office through constitutional procedures, public performance, and credible information. Opposition parties should focus on evidence and policy. The media should verify claims. Citizens should reject sensationalism. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja

2027: President Tinubu, Health Rumours, Politics And Response of Confidence and Responsibility