Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for decades. Born in Jada, Adamawa State, on November 25, 1946, Atiku’s journey to the highest office in the land is one of determination, ambition, and resilience. Though he began his career as a civil servant in the Nigerian Customs Service, it was his business ventures and political acumen that would eventually catapult him into the political limelight.
Atiku’s first foray into politics came in 1993 when he was elected as the Vice President of Nigeria under the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. This marked the beginning of his long-standing political career. His tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 was characterized by his advocacy for economic reforms, especially in the areas of privatization and liberalization, which garnered both praise and controversy. Atiku played a significant role in the economic policies of the Obasanjo government, but their relationship eventually soured, leading to his political departure from the ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

After leaving office, Atiku Abubakar continued to strengthen his political influence, positioning himself as a key player in Nigerian politics. In 2007, he ran for president under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but his bid was unsuccessful. Despite the setback, Atiku’s persistence and political maneuvering saw him return to the PDP, where he continued to campaign for the presidency. In 2015, he sought the presidential seat once again, this time under the PDP banner, but was defeated by the incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari, in a highly contested election.
Undeterred by the defeat, Atiku continued to build his political base, focusing on youth engagement, economic reforms, and national unity. In 2019, he once again ran for president, this time under the PDP, challenging President Buhari for a second term. The race was one of the most heated in Nigerian history, with Atiku advocating for job creation, restructuring, and economic diversification. However, despite his efforts, he was again defeated in the election, though he and his supporters have continued to question the integrity of the results.
Atiku’s journey to the presidency, while not yet successful, has been marked by his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to his vision of a prosperous Nigeria. His political journey reflects the complexities of Nigerian politics, as well as the challenges of navigating a deeply competitive and sometimes turbulent political environment. As of now, Atiku remains one of the most influential political figures in Nigeria, with many speculating that he will continue to be a force in future presidential races.
Atiku’s legacy, regardless of his presidential successes, continues to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, with his focus on economic reforms and national development remaining central to his political agenda. His story is one of perseverance, as he continues to strive for the opportunity to lead Africa’s largest democracy.