No renewal of Nigerian political landscape

Nigeria’s former vice-president Atiku Abubakar repeated bids for the presidency have excluded a renewal of political landscape in upcoming presidential elections in 2019.

Having failed four times for the top job claims, the 71-year-old political veteran again has been given chance by the main opposition PDP party to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari in February’s election.PDP

Abubakar is credited with having a solid network of support which is considered to be matching the level of the challenge, as well some progressive trends due to his backing of education initiatives, including the creation of the high profile American University of Nigeria in Adamawa State.

UPDATE 1-Ex-VP Abubakar named opposition challenger to Nigeria's president https://t.co/0gaW1xynjN pic.twitter.com/g6XONdEP7m

— Reuters Africa (@ReutersAfrica) October 10, 2018

However Abubakar reputation has been plagued by chronic allegations of corruption, and arguments around conflict of interests between his business and political activities, repelling young electorate from his candidacy as a meaningful alternative to incumbent president.

Atiku Abubakar is Nigeria’s perennial loser, stood four times for presidency without success. @RailaOdinga just like Atiku will be making history in 2022 when he runs for the 5th time at the age of 77.If Raila thinks legacy, he won’t vie, still, running and losing is also legacy! pic.twitter.com/cVF98BnzLr

— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) October 9, 2018

Abubakar defected and switched back to the PDP in December 2017, alleging the 75-year-old president Buhari of “letting the Nigerian people, and especially our young people, down”.

In September Abubakar called Buhari “uncompromising” and “power drunk” attempting to establish himself as a right man to lead Africa’s biggest economy.

https://twitter.com/FactsHubAfrica/status/1048886829632708608