By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Although former vice president Atiku Abubakar has not announced that he would be seeking Nigeria’s presidency in 2023, his supporters are already divided over whether he should contest or not.
The debate has been raging on the social media, dividing those who supported Atiku during his 2019 presidential run.
The divide is mainly between Atiku’s supporters from the South East who believe that he should not contest but rather support a candidate from the South East to clinch the presidency in 2023 and his northern base.
@MFarees tweeted:”Since Buhari has failed us, let’s try Atiku, he’s a good politician who knows all the nooks and crannies in Nigerian politics and how to lead the country to the promised land. I stand with Atiku,#AtikuKawai” he said.
@jrnaib2 tweeted: “I don’t know who need to hear this, but the way things are going clearly shows Atiku is the next President of Nigeria. Go to Kano and ask them about 2023. E go shock you! #AtikuKawai”
@HAHayatu: “Ndigbo can move enmasse to APGA or YDP.
No one will drag 2023 with you there. But for PDP or APC that grandstanding cannot work.
Build bridges and your time will come.”
But the opposition to Atiku’s 2023 choice argued that he would be left without the support of the South East if he contests.
@Mazigburugburu1 tweeted: “No problems! There is absolutely no problems, but let me say this, except I am dead by 2023, I will make it my personal business that Atiku finds it a daunting task accessing any of those “insignificant votes” from the South East, even if that task leaves me broke! So help me God.”
@savndaniel tweeted: “The narrative by the @OfficialPDPNig that @atiku is the only befitting bride because the east, according to them, do not have the numbers, should be discountenanced forthwith. I have read tweets I find demeaning of the Igbos. Let me state that Igbos are not second class citizens.
“The Igbos have suffered enough in this country, truth be told. @OfficialPDPNig should be more concerned about building its structure on a solid foundation. The path being taken by the @OfficialPDPNig will only lead to the destruction of PDP come 2023 and beyond,” he said.