In an interview with The Sun, Senator Shehu Sani, a renowned human rights advocate and public commentator, delved into the recent Sallah visit paid to former President Muhammadu Buhari by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other Northern elites. The visit, occurring amid ongoing political machinations, has sparked considerable attention, especially in light of Sani's insights into Atiku's future political ambitions. According to Sani, Atiku, who has previously contested as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both 2019 and 2023, is strategizing with his allies to challenge and potentially unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
He addressed the factors contributing to the worsening economic condition, noting that the issues under Buhari's tenure have been aggravated under Tinubu's leadership. He stressed that the current hardships are not just a continuation of past problems but have been intensified by new policies and governance challenges that have arisen since Tinubu assumed office.
In his frank assessment, Sani drew a stark contrast between public sentiment during Buhari’s administration and the current situation under Tinubu. He metaphorically described the fleeting joy experienced during Buhari's era as the false comfort of a doomed individual, suggesting that the apparent stability was superficial and temporary. Conversely, he depicted the current suffering as a necessary precursor to potential improvement, implying that the present difficulties might pave the way for a more prosperous future if properly addressed.
Reflecting on the Sallah visit, Sani suggested that Atiku and his allies are positioning themselves for a significant political push. He contends that their strategy involves portraying Tinubu as an ineffective leader who has failed to uphold the interests of Northern Nigeria, thereby garnering support for a change in leadership. This tactic, according to Sani, is aimed at mobilizing the Northern electorate by presenting Tinubu’s tenure as detrimental to their interests.
Sani argued that Atiku and his allies are working to create a narrative that frames Tinubu as an ethnicist and regionalist who has neglected the Northern region. He underscores the need for effective leadership that genuinely addresses the interests of all regions, suggesting that the current hardships could lead to positive change if the right steps are taken.
According to him, "I can say that the happiness we felt during Buhari's time was like the joy of a man awaiting execution. The struggles we face today, hopefully, are the pains of someone on the brink of a better life."