D glory of the LATTER, shall be greater than FORMER, in the COALITION for something, ADC selection process must be FAIR! A member of ADC! APC must GO!
Joined June 2022
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~Hatitude retweeted
Dear @RtHonSheriff, while you and your administration are busy distributing rice in the name of Audio empowerment, when will you channel that same energy into renovating our dilapidated secondary schools, libraries, and health care?
We are tired of backwardness in the state sir.
~Hatitude retweeted
A man who was in charge of all the NDC tickets in most of the Northern states all of a sudden didn't have an NDC governorship candidate in Kano State for the 2027 election where his son-in-law, the governor of Kano State is on the ballot. He doesn't want 3 horse race in Kano State between ADC, APC, and NDC but he wants 3 horse race in the presidential election and they said he's working for Peter Obi😂😂😂
A man who made his son-in-law, the governor join the APC and some Kwankwasiyya are with Abba Gidda Gidda… Very soon Wike will reveal the truth😂😂😂
I have noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team. The attacks directed at me, our presidential candidate His Excellency Peter Obi, and our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are unnecessary and unhelpful.
Rather than focusing on presenting the competence, credibility, and capacity of their own candidate as we have consistently done by placing our credentials and record of achievements before Nigerians, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council appears intent on creating mischief against our party and ticket. This includes attempts to portray us as working for the ruling party or to suggest that we may withdraw from the race in favour of the ADC candidate at the last minute.
The ADC-PCC would be better served directing its energy toward rebutting the serious allegations levelled against their candidate by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, instead of targeting me and His Excellency Peter Obi.
We are aware that the ADC-PCC may try to mislead our supporters on the eve of the election by claiming that we intend to withdraw in their favour. Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party. We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria.
The OK ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates. We see no possibility or reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate or any other. These claims are unfounded and should be treated as such.
The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative. We believe the OK ticket presents a credible and viable option, backed by proven capacity, a strong track record, credibility, and broad support across both Northern and Southern Nigeria. It is a healing ticket committed to uniting our country and tackling critical challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, the economy, and other key sectors.
We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country. I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party.
Nigeria will be OK. - RMK
11- Investment in higher education
Key period: 2004 onward
AUN's stated mission combines higher education with entrepreneurship, technology and regional development.
Relevant data
•The university has undergraduate and graduate programmes.
•It incorporates entrepreneurship and information technology into its educational approach.
•The AUN Foundation reported that nearly 20% of AUN's funds were used to provide full scholarships to needy students in 2023.
Tackling out-of-school children
Key dates: 2015, 3 February 2023 and 2024
The educational programmes associated with AUN and its development institute are especially relevant in northeastern Nigeria, where conflict, poverty and displacement have interrupted many children's education.
Relevant data
•In October 2022, 100 pupils graduated from the sixth Feed and Read cohort.
•On 27 October 2023, another 24 pupils graduated from an accelerated programme intended to provide basic education equivalent to approximately Grade 3.
•On 3 February 2023, the institute launched an Accelerated Universal Basic Education Program, beginning with 25 students.
•In September 2024, the institute announced a partnership with the International Rescue Committee, under USAID supervision, targeting out-of-school children and youth in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
10- EDUCATION, YOUNG PEOPLE AND HUMAN-CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Founding the American University of Nigeria
Key dates: 2002–2006
Atiku established ABTI Academy in 2002. The proposed university received a licence as ABTI University in 2003, construction began in October 2004, and the first students entered the American University of Nigeria in the 2005–2006 academic period.
Relevant data
•First cohort: 124 students.
•First intake: fall 2005/spring 2006.
•Location: Yola, Adamawa State.
•The university was designed around an American-style educational model.
10- EDUCATION, YOUNG PEOPLE AND HUMAN-CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Founding the American University of Nigeria
Key dates: 2002–2006
Atiku established ABTI Academy in 2002. The proposed university received a licence as ABTI University in 2003, construction began in October 2004, and the first students entered the American University of Nigeria in the 2005–2006 academic period.
Relevant data
•First cohort: 124 students.
•First intake: fall 2005/spring 2006.
•Location: Yola, Adamawa State.
•The university was designed around an American-style educational model.
9. Job creation through private enterprise.
Key period: 1980s onward
Atiku's business activities provide a case study for examining the relationship between private investment and employment.
Businesses in logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and education can create jobs directly and through their suppliers.
Relevant data to establish
•Number of direct employees by company and year.
•Number of contractors and indirect jobs supported.
•Tax contributions, investments and local procurement.
•Whether reported employment figures represent current jobs, cumulative jobs or estimates.
9. Job creation through private enterprise.
Key period: 1980s onward
Atiku's business activities provide a case study for examining the relationship between private investment and employment.
Businesses in logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and education can create jobs directly and through their suppliers.
Relevant data to establish
•Number of direct employees by company and year.
•Number of contractors and indirect jobs supported.
•Tax contributions, investments and local procurement.
•Whether reported employment figures represent current jobs, cumulative jobs or estimates.
8. Atiku and the opposition to a third presidential term.
Key date: 2006
The debate over whether President Obasanjo should be allowed to seek a third term became one of the defining political controversies of the administration.
The proposed constitutional changes would have altered the presidential tenure arrangements.
The National Assembly rejected the constitutional amendment proposals in May 2006.
Atiku emerged as a prominent opponent of the third-term project and increasingly distanced himself from Obasanjo.
Relevant data and context
•The dispute reached its critical stage in 2006.
•The constitutional amendment did not pass.
•The disagreement is largely the singular reason for the breakdown of relations between the President and Vice President ahead of the 2007 election and the genesis behind Obsanjo’s slanderous publication on the former Vice President .
8. Atiku and the opposition to a third presidential term.
Key date: 2006
The debate over whether President Obasanjo should be allowed to seek a third term became one of the defining political controversies of the administration.
The proposed constitutional changes would have altered the presidential tenure arrangements.
The National Assembly rejected the constitutional amendment proposals in May 2006.
Atiku emerged as a prominent opponent of the third-term project and increasingly distanced himself from Obasanjo.
Relevant data and context
•The dispute reached its critical stage in 2006.
•The constitutional amendment did not pass.
•The disagreement is largely the singular reason for the breakdown of relations between the President and Vice President ahead of the 2007 election and the genesis behind Obsanjo’s slanderous publication on the former Vice President .
7. Nigeria Container Services (Nig.) Ltd (NICOTES) and the oil-services industry
Key period: early 1980s
Atiku's partnership with Italian businessman Gabriele Volpi led to the establishment of Nigeria Container Services, commonly known as NICOTES. The business operated in port logistics and later became associated with the INTELS name.
Relevant data
•The business originated in the early 1980s.
•Its activities involved port logistics and oil-and-gas support services.
•Its commercial importance grew alongside Nigeria's petroleum and maritime sectors.
7. Nigeria Container Services (Nig.) Ltd (NICOTES) and the oil-services industry
Key period: early 1980s
Atiku's partnership with Italian businessman Gabriele Volpi led to the establishment of Nigeria Container Services, commonly known as NICOTES. The business operated in port logistics and later became associated with the INTELS name.
Relevant data
•The business originated in the early 1980s.
•Its activities involved port logistics and oil-and-gas support services.
•Its commercial importance grew alongside Nigeria's petroleum and maritime sectors.
6. How Atiku built his business interests.
Key period: 1970s–1990s
His business journey reportedly began with property investments and rental income before expanding into agriculture, trading and logistics.
Relevant data
•He invested in property in Yola and other Nigerian cities.
•He entered commercial agriculture in 1981.
•He retired from Customs in 1989 and moved into full-time business and politics.
6. How Atiku built his business interests.
Key period: 1970s–1990s
His business journey reportedly began with property investments and rental income before expanding into agriculture, trading and logistics.
Relevant data
•He invested in property in Yola and other Nigerian cities.
•He entered commercial agriculture in 1981.
•He retired from Customs in 1989 and moved into full-time business and politics.
5. Public enterprise reform
Key period: 1999–2007
Privatisation was intended to address the poor performance of some government-owned businesses and attract capital and management expertise from private investors.
Atiku's chairmanship of the National Council on Privatisation made this one of the most relevant areas for evaluating his government record.
Relevant data and context
•The BPE maintained records of privatisation transactions and the enterprises involved.
•The programme included transactions in several sectors, with different financial and operational outcomes.
5. Public enterprise reform
Key period: 1999–2007
Privatisation was intended to address the poor performance of some government-owned businesses and attract capital and management expertise from private investors.
Atiku's chairmanship of the National Council on Privatisation made this one of the most relevant areas for evaluating his government record.
Relevant data and context
•The BPE maintained records of privatisation transactions and the enterprises involved.
•The programme included transactions in several sectors, with different financial and operational outcomes.
4. Economic liberalisation and private-sector growth
Key period: 1999–2007
The administration pursued economic reforms designed to attract private investment, improve public finances and reduce dependence on direct government ownership of commercial enterprises.
Atiku's position as Vice President and chairman of the privatisation council placed him close to one of the administration's central economic strategies.
Relevant data and context
•The administration began in 1999 amid substantial infrastructure and public-finance challenges.
•Telecommunications, banking, pensions and public-enterprise reform were important areas of change during the period.
•Nigeria's economy remained heavily influenced by oil revenue, making diversification a persistent challenge.
These reforms created sustainable employment, strengthened competition and reduced the cost of doing business.
4. Economic liberalisation and private-sector growth
Key period: 1999–2007
The administration pursued economic reforms designed to attract private investment, improve public finances and reduce dependence on direct government ownership of commercial enterprises.
Atiku's position as Vice President and chairman of the privatisation council placed him close to one of the administration's central economic strategies.
Relevant data and context
•The administration began in 1999 amid substantial infrastructure and public-finance challenges.
•Telecommunications, banking, pensions and public-enterprise reform were important areas of change during the period.
•Nigeria's economy remained heavily influenced by oil revenue, making diversification a persistent challenge.
These reforms created sustainable employment, strengthened competition and reduced the cost of doing business.
3. The Nigerian telecommunications revolution.
Key dates: 2001–2002
One of the most significant developments of the Obasanjo administration was the liberalisation of telecommunications and the arrival of private GSM operators.
In January 2001, Nigeria's telecommunications regulator conducted a major GSM licence auction. Operators including MTN Nigeria, Econet Wireless Nigeria (later Airtel) and MTEL participated in the early development of the sector.
Relevant data
•The Nigerian Communications Commission conducted the GSM licence auction in January 2001.
•The licences were awarded at approximately US$285 million each.
•Commercial GSM services began expanding in Nigeria in 2001, transforming access to mobile communications.
The reform involved the federal government, the NCC and private investors. Atiku was a senior member of the administration.
3. The Nigerian telecommunications revolution.
Key dates: 2001–2002
One of the most significant developments of the Obasanjo administration was the liberalisation of telecommunications and the arrival of private GSM operators.
In January 2001, Nigeria's telecommunications regulator conducted a major GSM licence auction. Operators including MTN Nigeria, Econet Wireless Nigeria (later Airtel) and MTEL participated in the early development of the sector.
Relevant data
•The Nigerian Communications Commission conducted the GSM licence auction in January 2001.
•The licences were awarded at approximately US$285 million each.
•Commercial GSM services began expanding in Nigeria in 2001, transforming access to mobile communications.
The reform involved the federal government, the NCC and private investors. Atiku was a senior member of the administration.
2. The National Council on Privatization.
Key period: 1999–2007
Atiku chaired the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), the body responsible for providing policy direction for the privatisation of selected government-owned enterprises.
The policy aimed to reduce the government's direct involvement in commercial activities, attract private investment and improve efficiency in public enterprises.
Relevant data and context
•The privatisation programme operated under the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act 1999.
•The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) served as the implementing agency.
•The program covered enterprises in sectors including telecommunications, power, manufacturing and other commercial services.
2. The National Council on Privatization.
Key period: 1999–2007
Atiku chaired the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), the body responsible for providing policy direction for the privatisation of selected government-owned enterprises.
The policy aimed to reduce the government's direct involvement in commercial activities, attract private investment and improve efficiency in public enterprises.
Relevant data and context
•The privatisation programme operated under the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act 1999.
•The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) served as the implementing agency.
•The program covered enterprises in sectors including telecommunications, power, manufacturing and other commercial services.
PART 1 — ATIKU ABUBAKAR AS VICE PRESIDENT, 1999–2007
1. Atiku and the return of democracy in 1999
Key date: 29 May 1999
Atiku Abubakar became Nigeria's Vice President when Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as President, marking the beginning of the Fourth Republic after years of military rule.
Atiku had initially won the governorship election in Adamawa State in 1999 but moved to the national ticket following his selection as Obasanjo's running mate.
Relevant data and context
•The Fourth Republic began on 29 May 1999.
•The Obasanjo–Atiku administration served two terms, from 1999 to 2007.
•The administration faced major challenges involving economic reform, unemployment, infrastructure, corruption and national unity.
PART 1 — ATIKU ABUBAKAR AS VICE PRESIDENT, 1999–2007
1. Atiku and the return of democracy in 1999
Key date: 29 May 1999
Atiku Abubakar became Nigeria's Vice President when Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as President, marking the beginning of the Fourth Republic after years of military rule.
Atiku had initially won the governorship election in Adamawa State in 1999 but moved to the national ticket following his selection as Obasanjo's running mate.
Relevant data and context
•The Fourth Republic began on 29 May 1999.
•The Obasanjo–Atiku administration served two terms, from 1999 to 2007.
•The administration faced major challenges involving economic reform, unemployment, infrastructure, corruption and national unity.
ATIKU ABUBAKAR: BEYOND POLITICS — A SERIES ON LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, BUSINESS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
How much do Nigerians really know about Atiku Abubakar beyond his presidential ambitions and political affiliations?
What did he contribute to governance as Vice President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007? What role did he play in the economic reforms of that period? How did he build his private business interests? And what has his investment in education and youth development contributed to the lives of Nigerians?
In this series, we will examine Atiku Abubakar’s journey from public service to business, his role in the Obasanjo administration, his entrepreneurial endeavours, his investment in education through the American University of Nigeria, and his broader vision for Nigeria’s development.
We will also examine the controversies, criticisms and unanswered questions surrounding his career.
My objective is simple: to move beyond political slogans, explore the available evidence, and encourage an informed conversation about Wazirin’s footprints in leadership, enterprise, education and national development.
ATIKU ABUBAKAR: BEYOND POLITICS — A SERIES ON LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, BUSINESS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
How much do Nigerians really know about Atiku Abubakar beyond his presidential ambitions and political affiliations?
What did he contribute to governance as Vice President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007? What role did he play in the economic reforms of that period? How did he build his private business interests? And what has his investment in education and youth development contributed to the lives of Nigerians?
In this series, we will examine Atiku Abubakar’s journey from public service to business, his role in the Obasanjo administration, his entrepreneurial endeavours, his investment in education through the American University of Nigeria, and his broader vision for Nigeria’s development.
We will also examine the controversies, criticisms and unanswered questions surrounding his career.
My objective is simple: to move beyond political slogans, explore the available evidence, and encourage an informed conversation about Wazirin’s footprints in leadership, enterprise, education and national development.
