…A Distorted Political Narrative
By :Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
In the landscape of Nigerian politics, a troubling phenomenon has emerged: political amnesia and the distortion of recent history. A growing narrative romanticizes the legacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, portraying him as the successor to iconic figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. These sentiments, often articulated with a poetic flair, risk obscuring the foundational realities of Nigeria’s past and present. While poetry can inspire, it cannot replace the necessity for historical accuracy and accountability in leadership. Political amnesia can lead to devastating consequences as leaders reshape narratives to fit convenient ideological molds rather than confront their legacies.
Revisiting the Historical Record
When Nigeria was at a critical juncture, it needed stewards committed to national development. Instead, it got a privatization agenda under Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidency that sold off vital national assets without the envisioned benefits for the people. Instead of transforming the economy through prudent management and strategic investments, public enterprises the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economic independence were hastily dismantled.
Historical records reveal a litany of lost opportunities: Nigeria Airways was grounded, NITEL saw its potential squandered, and Ajaokuta’s steel project lay abandoned. Shipping lines and vital agricultural cooperatives faded into obscurity, with their potential for enhancing food security and rural prosperity wasted. Rather than empowering the citizenry, these actions fostered a political and economic elite that thrived while the nation floundered. Today, Atiku’s impassioned rhetoric about zero hunger and agricultural revitalization begs one crucial question: Where was his commitment when he had the reins of power?
The Need for Genuine Leadership
The legacies invoked by Atiku were founded on sacrifice that propelled Nigeria towards collective prosperity. Awolowo transformed cocoa revenues into television stations and free education, while Ahmadu Bello cultivated a self-sufficient agricultural sector without external debt. Nnamdi Azikiwe catalyzed industrial growth through local resources and ingenuity. These towering figures understood that leadership is not about eloquence but about delivering real results for the people.
In stark contrast, Atiku’s tenure saw a significant move to privatize national wealth into the hands of a few rather than build sustainable institutions for the collective good. Such actions only perpetuated a cycle of dependency, undermining the national capacity for self-reliance. When considering agricultural revival and economic justice, it is essential to question how someone who played a role in dismantling the very institutions needed for rebuilding can credibly propose a restoration blueprint.
The Clarion Call for Accountability
Nigerians are weary of political theatrics. We have witnessed too much broken promises, deceit, and manipulation. Today, gestures devoid of tangible outcomes will no longer suffice. The populace demands a leadership that reflects actionable commitment, not whimsical narratives. We seek leaders who:
- Have built something tangible.
- Have protected national resources.
- Have uplifted communities over cronies.
- Have placed national interest above personal ambition.
The era of political experimentation must end. Governance must be rooted in measurable action and accountability. We cannot afford to allow leaders who previously contributed to our misfortunes to return masquerading as agents of change.
Final Thoughts: A Call to National Consciousness
It is time for us as a nation to critically evaluate our choices. We must eschew the temptation to glorify eloquence at the expense of genuine service. Political discourse should not diminish the tragedies of our past or gloss over the failures that have shaped our present. A society that forgets the leaders who have failed it is destined to repeat the same mistakes.
Nigeria deserves leadership that embodies accountability a leadership dedicated to the collective welfare rather than personal ambition. The time for emotive storytelling has passed, and the moment for rigorous scrutiny has arrived. Let us remember our history; it is the compass for our future.
Signed:
Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo, D.Sc (h.c)
National Chairman
Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG)
Date: Saturday, 15th, November, 2025
Email: nchairman@aatsg.org.ng
Phone: +234 905 353 5322
Website: www.aatsg.org.ng
As we look to the future, let’s embrace the important role our choices play in shaping the destiny of our nation. Together, let’s commit to the path of active and positive citizenship!
