Why Obasanjo, Tinubu, Atiku should Leave Political Stage — Laolu Akande

Former presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, has called on some of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to withdraw from frontline politics, arguing that their long-running political rivalries have become obstacles to national progress.

Speaking on the theme, “Obasanjo’s Excesses and Atiku’s Die Hard Ambition, Nigeria Deserves Better,” Akande said Nigeria’s political future should no longer revolve around personalities whose disagreements date back more than two decades.

According to him, many younger Nigerians are unaware of the historical relationships linking the three leaders. He explained that Tinubu and Atiku belonged to the political family of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua during the Third Republic, while Yar’Adua had previously served as deputy to Obasanjo during his military administration.

Akande argued that Obasanjo benefited from the Yar’Adua political structure ahead of the 1999 election, which eventually produced Atiku as his running mate. However, he said the relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku later deteriorated, with Tinubu perceived by Obasanjo as siding with the former vice president.

Recalling an encounter at the Presidential Villa, Akande alleged that Obasanjo openly confronted Tinubu during a meeting attended by the late Professor Akin Mabogunje, leading to a heated verbal exchange that ultimately prevented the meeting from taking place.

He maintained that the current criticism exchanged between Obasanjo and Atiku is merely a continuation of political disagreements that have lingered since the early years of the Fourth Republic.

Akande also questioned Atiku’s continued pursuit of the presidency after several unsuccessful attempts, arguing that Nigeria needs fresh leadership rather than recycled ambitions.

While acknowledging that Obasanjo recorded notable achievements during his presidency, he criticised aspects of his administration, including election management and internal democracy within the Peoples Democratic Party.

He added that opposition politics should present practical alternatives instead of relying solely on criticism of the incumbent government.

Akande concluded that Nigeria’s development depends on generational renewal rather than continued dominance by the same political figures.

He insisted that the country’s future belongs to younger leaders with fresh ideas, urging Nigerians to move beyond old political feuds and focus on leadership capable of addressing contemporary national challenges.