Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has stated that it would be extremely difficult for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to lose during a presidential primary election. Sani compared the challenge to a camel passing through the eye of a needle, highlighting Atiku’s strong influence and support within his party.
Shehu Sani’s remarks on Atiku’s political strength
On Thursday, Sani took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment on recent reports suggesting Atiku might step aside for a younger presidential candidate. Sani pointed out that Atiku’s claim to step down only applies if “a younger candidate wins the primaries.” He emphasized the importance of the primaries, saying, “It’s easier for a camel to pass through the hole of a needle than to beat the Waziri [Atiku] in primaries… Party Delegates are special breed of people.”
Sani’s statement underscores the reality that Atiku enjoys strong backing among party delegates, making him a formidable contender in any primary election.
Atiku’s stance on stepping aside
The comments come amid circulating reports that Atiku had expressed willingness to step down in favor of a younger, more widely accepted presidential candidate. However, Atiku has since refuted claims that he is ready to drop out of the presidential race altogether.
Clarifying his position, Atiku explained that while he is not stepping aside, he remains open to supporting a younger candidate should the party’s consensus lean in that direction. This suggests a willingness to unite the party around a common goal while maintaining his own candidacy.
What this means for the presidential race
Atiku’s political influence and experience make him a major figure in the presidential primaries, and Shehu Sani’s comments reflect the challenges any opponent would face in attempting to unseat him within the party. The dynamic between Atiku’s strength and his openness to backing younger candidates could shape the party’s strategy as the election season progresses.
Party delegates, who play a crucial role in determining the outcome of primaries, are seen as loyal supporters of Atiku, adding to his advantage in the race for the presidential ticket.
