The Arewa Youth Council has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his efforts to form a political coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing it as a desperate alliance of sidelined politicians seeking relevance.
In a statement issued on Thursday from Kaduna, the Council’s president, Comrade Adams Reuben, said Atiku’s latest move is nothing more than a political stunt, led by individuals who have lost their place in Nigeria’s current political landscape.
Reuben questioned Atiku’s credibility, stating it was ironic that someone who played a central role in the controversial privatization of Nigeria’s public assets is now positioning himself as a moral authority.
He accused the former Vice President of lacking integrity and using criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a cover for his own failures.
According to the Council, Atiku’s leadership during the privatization era led to the sale of major national assets such as NITEL and ALSCON to political associates, decisions that negatively affected many Nigerians under the pretense of economic reform.
Reuben suggested that Atiku’s persistent criticisms of Tinubu stem from frustration over his repeated rejections at the polls.
“It’s disappointing that someone with such a controversial legacy still wants to be seen as a savior,” he said. “Atiku’s actions reflect someone who has not come to terms with his consistent failure to win the presidency.”
The youth group went further to dismiss the proposed coalition as an empty platform, describing it as a gathering of political outcasts with no clear direction or purpose.
“What Atiku is leading is not a credible coalition,” Reuben said. “It’s a dead-end effort, where he plays both the driver and the lone passenger.”
Reuben also highlighted the contrast between Atiku’s six unsuccessful presidential bids and President Tinubu’s victory on his first attempt.
He argued that Nigerians chose Tinubu because they believe in his leadership qualities and capacity to take bold decisions.
“This was Tinubu’s first run for president, and he emerged victorious because Nigerians placed their confidence in his leadership,” he stated. “Atiku, despite contesting multiple times, still feels entitled to the presidency. That entitlement has turned into resentment.”
The group called on Atiku to stop distracting the current administration and step away from national politics, urging him to let go of his ambition and allow the government to focus on delivering good governance.
The Arewa Youth Council concluded by saying it would continue to speak against political actors who promote division and seek to rewrite their questionable legacies under the guise of opposition politics.
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