by Alexander O. Onukwue

So the PDP of Adamawa State wish to welcome Atiku Abubakar back to their fold, to, in line of their reasoning, give him a platform where his talents will be valued and not be wasted.

The ready-made interpretation for such a clamor is that Atiku could be an early-bird aspirant for the PDP’s Presidential ticket for 2019. But that’s so far from being a reality as is the strategy of the new PDP that emerged after the Supreme Court ruling.

For what it’s worth, Atiku might have some interest in still being President of Nigeria, and he may indeed have some of the qualities. With that in mind, it is also not easy to wish away the obstacles that will stand in his way, politically and otherwise. As a present APC member, he would be expected to promote the Buhari-Osinbajo ticket for the four years that follow 2019, regardless of whose name eventually appears on the ballot on election day.

But were he to move to the PDP, Atiku’s chances would not be any better than it has ever been in the last ten years. Should the PDP choose to ensure free and fair Primaries, the former Vice President may find himself on the lower ranks of the pecking order, behind other candidates, ranging from potential returnees like Musa Kwankwaso, to Ibrahim Dankwambo, the steady-hands of Gombe.

If Atiku’s lectures and appearances around the country have been to attract attention to himself as still having it, he has succeeded; the people of Adamawa have expressed their acknowledgement. But that could be as good as it gets.

Editor