Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has alleged that the 2023 presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar was a calculated move that ultimately weakened the opposition and paved the way for Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emerge victorious.
Speaking on the dynamics of the last general election, Duke argued that Atiku entered the race despite widespread expectations that power should rotate to the South. According to him, the decision split the opposition vote, particularly with the emergence of Peter Obi, thereby diluting what could have been a united front against the ruling party.
“If you ask me, I think Atiku knows what he’s doing and does it deliberately,” Duke said, suggesting that the former vice president’s actions contributed significantly to the outcome of the 2023 election.
Duke further expressed concern about the political trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that a repeat of such internal divisions could once again undermine the opposition’s chances. He questioned Atiku’s continued push for the presidency, despite ongoing calls for the completion of what many describe as the South’s turn in Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement.
“This time again he wants to scuttle the chances, while shouting and swearing Tinubu must leave come 2027,” Duke added.
The former governor also cast doubt on the acceptability of Atiku’s potential candidacy among voters, particularly in light of regional considerations. He argued that even if Atiku secures a party ticket, the electorate may resist any attempt perceived as disrupting the informal zoning balance.
