A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Segun Adewale, has thrown his weight behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as the most capable leader to steer Nigeria out of its current economic and political difficulties. Adewale, who is popularly known as Aeroland, made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
According to the former Lagos State PDP Chairman, Atiku remains the political figure Nigeria desperately needs, insisting that he has the experience, competence, and temperament to rebuild the country’s economy and restore national unity. Adewale dismissed calls for Atiku to quit the PDP, describing such suggestions as unpatriotic and motivated by selfish interests.
He was reacting to recent comments by notable figures within the PDP, including former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, and ex-Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, both of whom had urged Atiku to step aside and not contest the 2027 presidential election under the PDP banner. While George accused Atiku of engaging in anti-party activities and demanded his resignation, Fayose vowed to actively oppose Atiku’s ambition if he declared interest again.
In response, Adewale strongly condemned the stance of the party elders, asserting that no individual holds the moral authority to determine Atiku’s political future. “Nobody should play God over Atiku’s ambition. He has been tested and proven. He is among the few politicians who are content and have demonstrated unwavering resilience. He knows this country and its challenges more than those who are just chasing power for personal gain,” Adewale stated.
He further described Atiku’s critics as “gluttons” who are more interested in personal enrichment than national development. According to him, these internal attacks from within the PDP are more damaging than opposition from outside the party, warning that such division only plays into the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adewale said the push to discourage Atiku from contesting again is clearly a strategy by individuals within the party who are working against its collective interest. “Anyone in the PDP saying Atiku should not run in 2027 is indirectly working for the APC. They’re not serving the interest of the party or Nigeria—they’re serving their own bellies,” he added.
He argued that no opposition party can dislodge the APC alone, noting that even the Labour Party and its presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, would struggle to defeat the ruling party without forming a broader coalition. He maintained that Atiku remains the most viable candidate to lead such a coalition and urged party members to rally behind him rather than sabotage internal unity.
Speaking on the wider political landscape, Adewale also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s electoral system, claiming that systemic flaws have repeatedly denied him victory in his previous contests in Lagos. He noted that until electoral processes are reformed, credibility and transparency will remain elusive in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“It is not about popularity or competence—it’s about the system. We must fix the system before 2027 if we truly want change,” he said.
Adewale concluded by expressing optimism that Nigerians are yearning for a new direction, adding that the widespread dissatisfaction with governance should motivate genuine efforts towards electoral reforms and political realignment. He emphasized that only through sincerity of purpose and unity can the country find the leadership it needs—one he believes Atiku Abubakar is well-positioned to offer.
