By Kunle Oshobi
Nigeria is going through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Our economy is struggling, jobs are disappearing, and millions of families are finding it harder to make ends meet. Inflation is biting, insecurity is rising, and hope is fading for too many of our young people.
But I still believe in Nigeria, and I believe that with the right leadership, we can turn things around. That’s why I support Atiku Abubakar to be the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A Leader with a Proven track record
Atiku Abubakar is not new to leadership. As Vice President from 1999 to 2007, he didn’t just occupy an office — he delivered results. President Olusegun Obasanjo entrusted him with the critical responsibility of leading the National Economic Council (NEC), effectively putting him in charge of the economy.
Under Atiku’s leadership, Nigeria witnessed an economic transformation unlike anything before or since. The Obasanjo-Atiku administration implemented bold reforms that opened up our economy to private investment, expanded the telecoms and banking sectors, and revived the private sector as a true engine of growth.
During this period, Nigeria recorded its highest-ever economic growth rate, averaging between 6% and 7% annually, with a peak GDP growth rate of 15.3% in the third quarter of 2002. The reforms of that era created millions of jobs and lifted countless Nigerians out of poverty. It was these same reforms that laid the solid foundation for Nigeria’s rise to become Africa’s biggest economy when the GDP was rebased in 2013.
That’s not by accident, that’s leadership, competence, and vision in action.
Competence That Delivers
Atiku is a man who understands the economy inside and out — not in theory, but in practice. As a successful businessman, he knows what it takes to create jobs, attract investment, and grow industries. He has built businesses from scratch and empowered thousands of Nigerians in the process.
As a leader, Atiku believes in building strong institutions and giving power to capable hands. He doesn’t just talk about reforms — he implements them. He doesn’t just promise growth — he plans for it. That’s why he remains widely respected by economists, investors, and business leaders across the continent.
A Vision to Revive the Economy
Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 manifesto is one of the most detailed and forward-looking economic blueprints Nigeria has ever seen. Central to his plan is a $10 billion Economic Stimulus Fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the lifeblood of our economy.
This plan aims to unlock the creativity and potential of millions of young Nigerians by providing access to finance, training, and infrastructure. When SMEs thrive, jobs are created, and communities prosper.
But that’s just the beginning. Atiku also plans to:
- Restructure Nigeria’s economy to empower states and encourage regional development.
- Ensure stable power supply within four years through increased private investment and transparent regulation.
- Diversify the economy by promoting agriculture, manufacturing, and digital innovation.
- Tackle corruption by strengthening institutions and ensuring transparency in government spending.
Experience You Can Trust
Leadership is not guesswork. Nigeria needs someone who has managed the economy successfully before — someone who can hit the ground running from day one. Atiku Abubakar has done it before, and he has the team, the plan, and the experience to do it again.
He represents competence, unity, and progress. He understands what it means to govern with vision and to create opportunities for all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.
A Call to Action
The truth is simple: Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of trial and error. We need a tested and trusted leader, someone who has shown the ability to manage our resources, grow our economy, and inspire hope.
That leader is Atiku Abubakar.
He has the experience, the plans, and the passion to lead Nigeria back to growth and stability. He is the right man for this defining moment in our nation’s history. Together, we can rebuild Nigeria to be stronger, fairer, and more prosperous.
Let’s unite behind Atiku Abubakar, for jobs, for growth, for a better Nigeria.
Oshobi is the Head of Planning and Strategy of the Narrative Force.
