In a strongly worded statement, Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, who projects Atiku Abubakar’s image on X accused supporters of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of attempting to “mislead younger Nigerians, particularly Gen Z,” by downplaying Atiku’s legacy and role in the development of the North and Nigeria at large.
The statement comes against the backdrop of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with divisions within opposition ranks drawing increased public scrutiny.
Abubakar argued that while political discourse often involves sharp disagreements, “facts and history must not be overshadowed by campaign rhetoric,” insisting that Atiku’s contributions remain “tangible and verifiable.”
Infrastructure and Economic Contributions
Highlighting Atiku’s tenure as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, the statement credited him with facilitating several infrastructure projects across northern Nigeria. These include the upgrade of Yola Airport to international status, the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Yola, and the expansion of electricity transmission networks linking parts of the Northeast.
It also referenced road construction projects across Adamawa State and other parts of the North, alongside federal investments reportedly exceeding ₦83 billion in the Northwest during the administration in which Atiku served.
Other cited initiatives include petroleum pipeline development linking Port Harcourt to Yola, rural road networks connecting underserved communities, and water supply projects aimed at improving access in parts of Adamawa.
Security Intervention During Insurgency
The statement further claimed that Atiku played a significant role during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, alleging that he contributed nearly ₦1 billion of personal funds to support the formation of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in 2014.
According to the author, the group’s local knowledge helped security agencies reclaim territory from insurgents in the Northeast.
Education and Human Capital Development
A significant portion of the defence focused on Atiku’s investments in education. The statement noted the establishment of primary and secondary schools in Adamawa, as well as scholarship programmes supporting underprivileged students across the state.
It also highlighted the founding of the American University of Nigeria in 2005, describing it as a “world-class institution” that has contributed to job creation and human capital development in the region.
Additional initiatives cited include support for regional education programmes and policy engagements aimed at improving school enrollment across northern states.
Call for Issue-Based Politics
The author concluded by urging political actors to focus on constructive engagement rather than what he described as “blackmail and distortion of facts,” warning that attempts to rewrite history could undermine informed political participation.
Efforts to obtain responses from representatives of Kwankwasiyya groups were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The development reflects growing friction within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as political figures and their supporters position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
