Celebrations marking the birthday of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ended on Wednesday with a commemorative lecture in Jada, Adamawa State, where renowned journalist and entrepreneur, Chief Dele Momodu, made a strong case for opposition unity ahead of the next political cycle.
Delivering the keynote address, Momodu highlighted Atiku’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, recalling his influential role during the 1993 presidential election and his support for Chief MKO Abiola during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primary.
According to him,
“During the 1993 SDP primary, Atiku stepped down for my adopted father, Chief MKO. This made him (Abiola) win the ticket.”
He noted that even after Abiola picked Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as running mate instead of Atiku, the former Vice President remained loyal to the party and the democratic process.
Momodu described Atiku as a rare breed in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Atiku is not a common politician. A man betrayed many times. Always choosing peace and patience,” he said, adding that the former Vice President has maintained a non-violent political culture.
He commended Atiku’s strong stance on the rule of law and his several landmark cases that have shaped Nigeria’s jurisprudence.
He also recalled Atiku’s courage during military rule, stressing that he consistently spoke out against injustice when many others chose silence.
Momodu argued that Nigeria currently faces an acute leadership vacuum, insisting that Atiku remains the most experienced figure to steer the country out of its challenges.
He said the former Vice President is “a great manager of men and resources,” adding that “No one is better prepared to lead this nation than Atiku at this time.”
He urged Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other leaders within the ADC-led opposition coalition to rally behind a united front.
He Called on the former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and all the leaders of the coalition ADC, to join forces with Atiku to rescue Nigeria.
Several political leaders, including former Adamawa State Governor, Senator Bindow Jibrilla, Senator Ahmed Hassan Barata, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani and Senator Abdul’aziz Nyako, delivered goodwill messages extolling Atiku’s leadership qualities.
Senator Binani hailed him as a mentor and symbol of Northern politics, while Senator Nyako said,
“You are a great man. The closer I get to you, the more I discover how great you are. I look forward to knowing you more.”
Senator Elisha Abbo described Atiku as a unifier and detribalised leader who has nurtured talents across ethnic and religious lines.
He cited Atiku’s insistence on Boni Haruna becoming governor in 1999, and his support for Governors Bindow and Fintiri in later years, despite their different ethnic backgrounds.
The Atiku Week of Service, organised by the Atiku Foundation and funded by the Abubakar family, featured humanitarian activities across Adamawa State.
According to the foundation’s secretary, Professor Ahmed Shehu, the initiative is designed to enable Atiku give back to society through education support, welfare programmes and community development.
He said the annual Week of Service has benefited widows, orphans and vulnerable groups, while promoting opportunities for young people.
This year’s edition also saw six public school students from Toungo awarded full scholarships.
Other activities included the Atiku Unity Cup, a talent-discovery and community-building sporting event.
Atiku, expressing delight at the success of the 2025 edition, thanked his family, the Atiku Abubakar Foundation and guests for their support, and commended Dele Momodu for delivering the keynote lecture.
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