THIS IS LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN LOYALTY, UNITY AND NATIONAL PURPOSE.

In politics, character is often revealed not in moments of triumph, but in moments of temptation.

I recently watched a video in which former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, recounted an episode from Nigeria's political history. According to his account, some governors were prepared to support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's emergence as President while President Olusegun Obasanjo was still in office. Rather than seize the opportunity, Kalu said Atiku knelt before them and pleaded that he could not betray the President under whom he was serving.

Whether one agrees with Atiku politically or not, the story speaks to a quality that is increasingly rare in public life—loyalty to principle over personal ambition.

I had my own encounter that reinforced this impression.

Late in 2025, while I was in the United Kingdom for personal reasons, I received a WhatsApp message directly from Atiku Abubakar requesting that we meet to discuss our political association in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). 

It was a simple gesture, but one that left a lasting impression on me. In an environment where many political leaders expect others to seek them out, his willingness to reach out personally reflected humility and respect for people. Such humility is uncommon among members of Nigeria's political elite.

Beyond personal experiences, Atiku Abubakar has long been recognised as a bridge-builder. Throughout his public life, he has cultivated friendships and political alliances across Nigeria's ethnic, religious and regional divides. At a time when the nation desperately needs healing and cohesion, the ability to unite people is not merely admirable—it is indispensable.

He has consistently projected the vision of a Nigeria where merit matters more than ethnicity, where competence outweighs sectional interests, and where every citizen has an equal stake in the nation's future. That outlook has earned him a reputation among supporters as one of Nigeria's more detribalised political leaders.

His commitment to education, particularly for girls, has also been widely noted. His support for educational initiatives, including scholarships associated with girls affected by the Chibok tragedy, reflects a belief that educating young women is one of the surest pathways to national development. Every educated girl strengthens not only her family but also her community and the nation.

Economically, Atiku has consistently advocated private-sector-led growth, enterprise, investment and job creation. His background as a businessman has shaped his long-standing emphasis on expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs, attracting investment and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

Whether one agrees with every policy proposal or not, there is little doubt that economic development has remained central to his public agenda.

His philanthropic work has likewise touched many lives through educational support, community development and humanitarian initiatives. Such contributions often receive less attention than political contests, yet they form an important part of his public legacy.

Nigeria today faces profound challenges: economic uncertainty, insecurity, youth unemployment, rise in crime rate and growing social divisions. These problems demand leaders who can build consensus, attract talent, inspire confidence and place national interest above personal ambition.

Leadership is ultimately about more than holding office. It is about bringing people together, making difficult decisions with integrity and leaving institutions stronger than they were found.

To many Nigerians, these are qualities they see in Atiku Abubakar: humility that does not diminish authority, loyalty that withstands temptation, inclusiveness that transcends identity, compassion that extends beyond politics, and a vision anchored in economic renewal.

Such qualities are not only valuable to Nigeria. They are qualities that any African nation would cherish in its leadership. In an increasingly interconnected world, Africa needs leaders capable of engaging confidently with the global community while remaining firmly committed to the welfare of their own people.

History will judge every leader by the impact they leave behind. For those who value unity, dialogue, economic growth and national cohesion, Atiku Abubakar represents a leadership model that many believe deserves serious consideration—not only for Nigeria's future, but as part of Africa's continuing search for principled and purposeful leadership.

Atiku Abubakar is that leader. To those who are still standing on the fence, take that leap of faith. Join us to support Atiku Abubakar. 

Thank you.

Lauretta Onochie.

@Laurestar