Atiku Recalls Shehu Yar’adua's Directive To Step Down For Moshood Abiola In SDP Primaries

Atiku Reflects on His Mentor's Decision to Endorse Abiola

In a candid moment, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar opened up about the pivotal moment in Nigerian political history when his late mentor, Shehu Yar’adua, urged him to step aside for Chief Moshood Abiola, the widely recognized winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. This revelation came during an exclusive interview for the television show Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie. The interview, which Daily Trust obtained ahead of its official airing, offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape at that time.

Setting the Scene: The SDP Primaries

Atiku delved into the intricacies of the situation, shedding light on the dynamics that unfolded during the primaries of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He recounted how Chief Moshood Abiola, despite an earlier agreement with Yar’adua to name Atiku as his running mate, ultimately chose Babagana Kingibe instead. This decision, Atiku explained, stemmed from intense pressure exerted by SDP governors, who had significant influence within the party. The interview clarifies misconceptions surrounding the events of that era and highlights the challenges faced by key players in navigating the tumultuous political terrain.

Atiku's Account of the Historic Meeting

During the interview, Atiku recounted the critical meeting that took place in Jos. After the initial round of voting, Atiku realized that Babagana Kingibe was on the verge of securing the nomination. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he reached out to Yar’adua, who was under a political ban in Kaduna. Atiku urged his mentor to travel to Jos immediately, emphasizing that Kingibe's victory was imminent unless Yar’adua intervened. Yar’adua wasted no time, driving through the night to arrive in Jos by the early hours of the morning.

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Upon arrival, Yar’adua convened an urgent meeting at the residence of Alhaji Yahaya Kwande, where both Atiku and Abiola were present. It was during this meeting that Yar’adua made his decisive call, instructing Atiku to step down in favor of Abiola. Without hesitation, Atiku complied, demonstrating his loyalty and respect for his mentor’s judgment. Atiku later learned that the SDP governors had played a significant role in influencing Abiola’s decision to choose Kingibe as his running mate, sidelining the earlier agreement with Yar’adua.

Behind the Scenes: The Governors' Pressure

Atiku explained that the SDP governors, who owed their political positions to Babagana Kingibe during his tenure as the party’s chairman, felt obligated to support him. Their stance was clear: if Abiola did not select Kingibe as his running mate, they would withdraw their support. Faced with this ultimatum, Abiola relented and chose Kingibe, a decision that altered the course of the campaign and its aftermath. This episode underscores the power dynamics and political maneuvering that characterized Nigeria’s political environment during this transformative period.

Atiku’s account provides valuable context to the events surrounding the 1993 presidential election, a chapter in Nigeria’s history that continues to resonate deeply with the nation. His reflections not only clarify the roles played by key figures but also highlight the intricate web of alliances and pressures that shaped the political landscape of the time. Through his candid narration, Atiku offers a humanizing perspective on the challenges and compromises inherent in leadership and governance.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with its political evolution, Atiku’s insights serve as a reminder of the lessons learned from the past and the importance of fostering transparency and accountability in the pursuit of democratic progress. This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Nigerian politics and the enduring legacy of its key figures.