Atiku’s quiet campaign in southwest
The presidential election campaigns have fully started. But Atiku’s quiet campaign in the southwest region points to lots of things. The PDP’s candidate doesn’t seem to have that acceptance or perhaps wide coverage in the region.
Mr. Atiku Abubakar has been in Ekiti State, Ogun State and Oyo State. There is little or no attention for him in those states. Or perhaps the media didn’t cover the event as expected of big campaigns.
The Ekiti State chapter of the PDP doesn’t specifically belong to a particular side. Of course, the ex vice president distanced himself from the PDP struggle to win the state last year. It’s funny that the PDP trailed behind the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
That could have been the reason Atiku didn’t enjoy wide support in Ekiti State. His campaign went without funfair. Mr. Ayodele Fayose was among the aspirants for the PDP’s ticket during the primary election. He has not openly backed Mr. Atiku Abubakar.
The case was different in Osun State because Atiku Abubakar identified himself with Mr. Ademola Adeleke of the PDP. Nigerians know the aftermaths.
Mr. Atiku and his team went to Abeokuta, Ogun State capital yesterday. The crowd was fair, yet there is no noise, but quiet in the media. It was as if nothing has happened. One would hardly find top politicians in the state in the rally. What does this point at?
The same thing happened today in Ibadan, Oyo State. Atiku Abubakar touched down at the airport. One would have expected the state governor to be on ground to welcome the ex vice president.
Mr. Makinde has been a part of the internal opposition that Atiku Abubakar has. The Oyo State governor identifies with Nyesom Wike’s group that wrestles the structure of the party with Atiku.
During Makinde’s campaign about two weeks ago, the five aggrieved governors clearly told voters to vote for all PDP’s candidate but Atiku Abubakar. And it doesn’t appear yet that Makinde will back off the opposition against Atiku Abubakar.
Of course, one can succinctly agree that Atiku’s main opponent, Bola Tinubu, is much stronger in the southwest region. At the same time it shouldn’t be that worse or quiet for the former vice president in the region, which is second in term of voting strength.
Atiku’s quiet campaign in southwest points to the fact that the governor isn’t popular even among the top politicians in that axis. At the same time the effect of the imbroglio in the party can be seriously felt.
The deputy national chairman of the PDP, who is supposed to back Atiku Abubakar, belongs to Makinde’s side. Mr. Taofeek Arapaja even works on another parallel line at the national Secretariat of the party.
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