Democracy is about choice, not coronation

BY ALAIBI NNANA JOSEPH

The political space has been abuzz with renewed debate over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s declaration that he remains open to contesting the 2027 presidential election. Following his statement that he would only step aside “if a younger aspirant defeats me fair and square in the primaries,” a familiar chorus emerged — calling on him to “bow out gracefully.”

One of the loudest of these voices came through an opinion piece titled “Atiku: The Imperative of Graceful Exit.” The writer couched his argument in lofty language about “legacy,” “grace,” and “nation before self.” But when the flowery words are stripped away, the underlying message is clear: Atiku should quit the stage for others.

The question, however, is simple and unavoidable: Who’s really afraid of Atiku — or of a fair contest?

Democracy Is About Choice, Not Coronation

Atiku has not demanded an automatic ticket from any political party. He has not said younger aspirants should not run. His only insistence is that anyone who seeks to lead should be ready to test their popularity at the ballot — through transparent and competitive primaries. That is not arrogance; it is democracy in its purest form.

Those invoking Nelson Mandela’s example miss the point entirely. Mandela’s greatness was not defined by the date he retired, but by the principles he upheld and the battles he fought for justice. Nigeria’s democracy today faces different challenges — weak institutions, economic hardship, insecurity, and political disunity. This is hardly the moment to push aside tested hands in favour of political experiments.

A democracy that silences its most experienced voices for the comfort of others is one walking on crutches. The nation needs both youthful energy and seasoned wisdom — not one at the expense of the other.

Atiku Is Not the Problem — Disunity Is

Atiku Abubakar’s long political journey is a testament to resilience. From the military era of the early 1990s to his democratic rebirth as Vice President in 1999, he has stood at the centre of Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He has been consistent, courageous, and unrelenting in his advocacy for unity, restructuring, and credible elections.

If the opposition finds itself in disarray today, it is not because Atiku refuses to retire. It is because of fear — fear of internal competition, fear of genuine primaries, and fear of merit prevailing over manipulation. Those who truly believe they have the people’s mandate should not be scared of facing Atiku in an open contest. That is the essence of democracy — the people decide, not a few voices in smoky rooms.

Leadership Is Not About Age, But Ideas

There is a growing habit of reducing leadership to a number — as if age alone determines vision or effectiveness. Yet, history is filled with examples to the contrary. The world has seen young leaders fail spectacularly, and elderly leaders steer their nations with wisdom and grace.

Leadership is about ideas, courage, and character — the ability to build consensus, unite diverse interests, and offer credible direction. Atiku’s strength lies in his unmatched political network across Nigeria, his deep understanding of governance, and his consistent call for economic and institutional reforms. These are not qualities that fade with age. Like wine, they actually get better.

Let the Contest Begin

Nigeria’s opposition must learn to strengthen its internal democracy. The 2027 race should not be a coronation but a competition — one that tests vision, strategy, and capacity. If Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, or any other aspirant believes they can lead better, they should face the people in open primaries. That is how democratic institutions mature — through contest, not compromise.

Atiku has nothing to prove, but he has something to offer — experience, structure, and a bridge across Nigeria’s ethnic and generational divides. Those who know the weight of that influence understand why some are eager to edge him out of the race before the whistle even blows.

So again, who’s afraid of Atiku — or the contest?
Perhaps it is those who know that, when the race begins, the man from Adamawa still stands tallest in the arena — not by noise or nostalgia, but by sheer resilience, record, and reach.

Conclusion:
Rather than begging experienced leaders to step aside, Nigeria should demand a level playing field where all aspirants, young or old, can prove their worth. That is the only way to build a democracy where power truly belongs to the people — not to those afraid of a fair contest.

Joseph, a political analyst, writes from Port Harcourt.