By Sahel Reporters – Abuja
A prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Umar Bello Jada, has described the South East’s decision to sideline former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 general election as a significant political miscalculation.
Speaking in an interview monitored on FM Radio Abeokuta, Jada criticized the region’s historical reluctance to align with broader national political interests.
He lamented that despite its wealth of talent in entrepreneurship and leadership, the South East has consistently failed to translate that potential into political influence.
Jada argued that the region has alienated itself by not building coalitions with other parts of the country and by refusing to rally around a unified presidential candidate.
According to him, backing Atiku in 2027 would be a strategic move for the South East, potentially opening the door to power rotation in favor of the region.
He suggested that aligning with Atiku could increase the chances of a South Easterner — possibly Peter Obi — assuming power after Atiku serves a single term.
Jada criticized the disunity and divisive rhetoric that has undermined the South East’s political ambitions, urging leaders from the region to embrace national collaboration rather than sectionalism.
On the Muslim-Muslim ticket that propelled APC to victory in 2023, Jada expressed regret over the North’s emotional decision to support Bola Tinubu, noting that the region is now grappling with insecurity, poverty, and disillusionment.
He also defended the push for Atiku’s candidacy despite calls for generational change, stating that Atiku possesses the nationwide support, track record, and political network required to challenge the current administration and steer Nigeria out of its current crises.
Highlighting Atiku’s political influence in Adamawa, Jada recounted the former Vice President’s role in installing and supporting successive governors in the state since 1999, including the current governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Jada further justified Atiku’s possible departure from the PDP, claiming the party has been compromised and hijacked by individuals loyal to the ruling government.
He alleged that the emergence of the new ADC coalition has shaken the presidency, demonstrating that opposition unity still holds the power to unsettle the political status quo.
Sahel Reporters News
