By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Senior Political Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Demola Olarewaju, has defended the emerging opposition coalition being built around the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Olarewaju insisted that the arrangement is not structured around personal ambition, but rather a broader democratic convergence of political actors.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, he situated Atiku’s political identity within what he described as a long-standing democratic tradition.
He argued that Atiku has consistently demonstrated a willingness to accept internal party outcomes, even when unfavourable. According to him, this behaviour is not recent but deeply rooted in the former vice president’s early political experiences. He added that critics often overlook this historical pattern when analysing Atiku’s current political posture.
Olarewaju traced Atiku’s political journey back to the early 1990s, noting that it provides context for his present-day decisions. He recalled that Atiku once ran for governor in 1992 under the military transition era, but political disqualifications significantly altered the structure of the contest.
According to him, this created room for younger political actors to step forward under mentorship structures.
He further explained that Atiku’s political mentor, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, played a key role in his early participation in national politics. Olarewaju said Atiku was drafted into a presidential contest at a relatively early stage in his career due to shifting political circumstances.
He noted that several major candidates were disqualified during that period, including Samuel Oluyemisi Falae and Patrick Dele Cole, creating a vacuum that younger politicians had to fill.
“Atiku Abubakar contested and came third in the primaries behind Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and Babagana Kingibe,” Olarewaju said.
He added that Atiku later stepped down at the request of Abiola’s camp, describing the move as an early demonstration of political maturity and democratic discipline.
Olarewaju maintained that this experience shaped Atiku’s political philosophy of accepting outcomes.
“So, when he says he will support whoever emerges, whether by consensus or direct primaries, that is who he has always been,” he said.
He cited the 2011 presidential primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where Atiku lost to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Despite the loss, Olarewaju said Atiku supported Jonathan and contributed to his electoral success, including in Adamawa State.
He also referenced the 2015 primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Atiku lost to Muhammadu Buhari but still backed him in the general election.
According to Olarewaju, these instances reflect a consistent political principle rather than isolated actions. He stressed that democratic participation requires readiness for both victory and defeat.
He contrasted this with the actions of some politicians after the last election cycle, citing former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike as an example.
Olarewaju alleged that Wike’s post-election alignment represented a departure from expected party discipline, arguing that democracy requires both the willingness to win and the willingness to lose.
He added that Atiku’s stance on consensus candidacy should be understood within this long-standing philosophy, insisting that it is backed by decades of consistent political conduct.
Olarewaju further stated that if Atiku eventually emerges as the coalition’s candidate, other contenders should also support him in the spirit of fairness and reciprocity.
He expressed confidence that Atiku would not lose within the emerging coalition, but reiterated that he would support whoever emerges as candidate if that happens.
“We expect that Atiku will win. But regardless of who wins—whether it is Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, or Atiku Abubakar—the coalition will remain united and strong,” he said.
AGE, HEALTH, AND POLITICAL CAPACITY:
Olarewaju dismissed concerns about Atiku’s age ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that leadership should be judged by capacity rather than criticism.
He maintained that public perception is often shaped by opponents and should not define a candidate’s reality.
According to him, the real issue is not age but health and mental fitness. He said that as long as a leader is physically and mentally sound, age should not be a determining factor.
Olarewaju illustrated his argument with analogies, stressing that Nigerians should prioritise results over sentiment. He argued that governance should be evaluated based on outcomes rather than demographic considerations.
“If an 80-year-old man delivers good governance, why should he not be accepted?” he asked.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on practical realities such as security, the economy, and human capital development when assessing leadership.
“If your life is not okay now, and we agree that the present government has failed in key areas, then we must look at who can deliver,” he said, adding that while political ambition is universal, the real question remains whether a candidate can provide effective governance.
