By Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar
As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, we pay tribute to a true icon of democratic struggle and resilience — Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. For over three decades, Atiku has stood at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, marked by courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the people’s will. From his early political engagements to his bold defense of constitutionalism, Atiku has earned a lasting place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
In the pivotal 1993 presidential election, Atiku made a profound sacrifice by stepping down in favor of Chief Moshood Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate. His selfless decision helped rally national support behind Abiola, whose victory was unjustly annulled by the military. Atiku’s actions in that moment demonstrated his deep commitment to Nigeria’s unity and democratic ideals — placing country above personal ambition.
With the return to civilian rule in 1999, Atiku was elected Vice President alongside President Olusegun Obasanjo. During their tenure, he played a key role in spearheading economic reforms that helped stabilize and modernize Nigeria’s economy. He was instrumental in revitalizing sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and pensions — reforms that contributed significantly to job creation and long-term economic growth, strengthening the pillars of democratic governance.
One of Atiku’s most defining moments came in 2007, when he boldly opposed President Obasanjo’s attempt to amend the constitution for a third term in office. This proposed amendment threatened the very core of Nigeria’s democracy. Atiku, along with other democratic patriots, stood firm and helped safeguard the constitution. His resistance ensured that power remained with the people and that Nigeria avoided a dangerous slide into authoritarianism.
Atiku’s democratic advocacy extends beyond elections and office. He has been a consistent voice for true federalism, calling for a restructured Nigeria that empowers its federating units. In 2017, he launched the True Federalism campaign, traveling across the country to promote political decentralization and fair power-sharing. He believes that such reforms will deepen democracy, enhance accountability, and give every Nigerian a greater voice in governance.
In more recent times, Atiku has continued to defend democratic norms by opposing efforts to create a de facto one-party state under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He has warned against the erosion of opposition voices, stressing that a healthy democracy depends on plurality and vibrant political discourse. His stance reflects a lifelong dedication to protecting Nigeria’s democratic space.
Beyond politics, Atiku has made significant contributions to education — a cornerstone of any thriving democracy. He founded the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, which provides world-class education and opportunities to young Nigerians. Notably, the university has offered scholarships to Chibok girls who escaped Boko Haram captivity, demonstrating his belief in education as a tool for empowerment and democratic participation.
Atiku’s democratic journey has not been without peril. He has survived assassination attempts, endured political persecution, and faced unfounded allegations. Yet, through it all, he has remained steadfast in his vision for a democratic Nigeria. His resilience continues to inspire millions across the nation.
As we commemorate Democracy Day, we celebrate Atiku Abubakar — a man who has risked everything to defend the people’s right to choose their leaders. His legacy as a champion of democracy stands tall, reminding us that democracy is not just a system of government, but a treasure to be protected. Atiku’s story is one of vision, endurance, and hope — a true gift to Nigeria.
