A prominent loyalist of former Nigerian Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Dr Aslam Aliyu, has criticised Bauchi State Governor Bala Muhammed over his comments about the elder statesman.
Dr Aliyu, also known as Gimbiyar Kauran Namoda from Zamfara State and one of Nigeria’s respected female politicians, issued a statement on Tuesday, made available to Tribune Online in Abuja. She condemned Governor Muhammed’s remarks, describing them as unbecoming of a party leader, asserting that Atiku is not a politician to be betrayed.
“Atiku Abubakar is not a politician to be undermined by mere political office holders whose relevance remains confined to their states,” Aliyu said.
While highlighting the former vice president’s enduring influence since 1999, Aliyu pointed to Atiku’s service under President Olusegun Obasanjo, his pivotal role in shaping the PDP, and his consistent presence in Nigeria’s political landscape over the last two decades.
She accused the Bauchi governor of attempting to diminish Atiku’s stature within the party.
“For a governor who owes his platform to the PDP’s legacy, to belittle one of its founding pillars is not just ungrateful; it is dangerous,” she remarked.
Aliyu further stated that when discussing PDP leaders, the next in line after Atiku is the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.
“He (Tambuwal) demonstrated a spirit of sportsmanship by stepping down for Atiku in 2023 for the sake of northern development,” she noted.
The statement urged Muhammed to exercise humility, cautioning that divisive rhetoric threatens the PDP’s unity.
“The PDP stands today because of the loyalty, sacrifice, and vision of men like Atiku Abubakar,” the statement concluded, calling for mutual respect to safeguard the party’s future.
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