Selling Atiku to Nigerians May Be Harder Than Anticipated, here's why

Atiku Abubakar is not new to Nigeria’s political stage. In fact, that may now be his biggest problem. He has been vice president, presidential candidate, coalition builder, party mover, opposition figure, and recurring contender. For decades, he has remained visible in almost every major national conversation about power. But visibility is not the same as acceptability.

The challenge before Atiku today is not whether Nigerians know him. They do. The real challenge is whether enough Nigerians still believe he represents the future rather than the past. His long pursuit of the presidency has created a complicated image: experienced to some, desperate to others; resilient to supporters, politically overused to critics

Atiku’s current positioning within the ADC-led opposition coalition was meant to present him as part of a united front against President Bola Tinubu. But that coalition has already suffered major cracks, with Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso reportedly leaving for the NDC, weakening the dream of one strong opposition platform ahead of 2027. Analysts warn that a divided opposition may again hand advantage to the ruling party. 

This is where Atiku’s burden becomes heavier. Many Nigerians are angry about the economy, insecurity, hardship, and governance. But anger alone does not automatically translate into trust for an old political brand. The opposition must sell hope, not just grievance. It must offer renewal, not simply another familiar face asking for one more chance.

Atiku still has structure, experience, northern networks, funding capacity, and national recognition. These are not small assets. But Nigeria’s political mood is shifting. Younger voters want freshness. Disillusioned citizens want credibility. Opposition supporters want unity. And many undecided Nigerians want proof that the next alternative will not look too much like the old establishment.

So, selling Atiku may be harder than anticipated because the issue is no longer only Tinubu’s weakness. It is Atiku’s believability. In 2027, Nigerians may not ask whether Atiku can run. They may ask whether he can still inspire.