Supporters Defend Atiku’s Contributions to Northern Nigeria Amid Kwankwasiyya Criticism

 

KANO, Nigeria— Supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have pushed back against criticism from Kwankwasiyya movement members, presenting a list of projects and initiatives they say demonstrate his contributions to the development of Northern Nigeria and the country at large.

The response, issued by Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, comes amid growing political exchanges between supporters of Atiku and those aligned with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwasiyya figures have questioned Atiku’s record in the North, prompting his backers to outline what they describe as verifiable contributions during his tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and in his capacity as a private citizen.

Infrastructure and Public Services

Abubakar’s supporters cited several federal projects they attribute to Atiku’s influence in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions:

- Upgrade of Yola Airport to international status

- Establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Yola

- Extension of electricity lines from Gombe to Adamawa and Jalingo

- Construction and rehabilitation of major roads in Adamawa, including Yola–Mubi and Ganye corridors

- Federal road projects such as Yola–Mubi, Jabbi-Lamba–Malabu–Belel, Ganye–Toungo–Jamtari, and Jada–Kojoli

- Bridges on the Mayo-Belwa, Jada, and Ganye routes

- Establishment of the Federal Technical College in Watu, Michika

- Laying of a Port Harcourt–Yola NNPC pipeline

- CGC water supply project in Jada

- Launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme in Jada and Yola

- Introduction of GSM telecommunications to Northern Nigeria

They also pointed to an estimated ₦83 billion allocated to North-West projects during his tenure, which they said would amount to trillions in current value.

Security and Humanitarian Efforts

Supporters noted Atiku’s role during the Boko Haram insurgency in 2014, stating he personally funded the Civilian Joint Task Force with over ₦1 billion to assist security agencies.

Through the Atiku Care Foundation, they said he provided aid to orphans, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities across the North-West, including Kaduna State. They also cited a ₦50 million donation to displaced persons in Benue State during a security crisis.

Education and Human Capital Development

Education was highlighted as a central focus. Initiatives listed include:

- Construction of four primary schools and a government science secondary school in Jada

- Establishment of a scholarship foundation covering university education for students from each local government area in Adamawa

- Founding of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola in 2005

- Sponsorship of the Northern Education Programme at Arewa House to encourage governors to improve education and teacher training

- Scholarships for numerous students, including Chibok girls abducted in 2014

Economic Development and Poverty Reduction

As head of the National Economic Council, Atiku’s supporters said he led debt relief negotiations, promoted privatization that benefited business figures such as Dangote and Otedola, and facilitated the privatization of NITEL, which paved the way for GSM expansion.

They also cited private investments in Adamawa, including Adamawa Beverages, Atiku Farms, and Adama Plastic, as well as the establishment of Standard Microfinance Bank in Yola to provide credit to small businesses, women, and youth in the North-East.

Political Mobilization

The statement credited Atiku with efforts to unify the North, including the formation of the Arewa Consultative Forum and the 2000 “Reception” meeting in Kaduna that brought together religious leaders, business figures, and youth. It also noted his role in opposing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in 2006.

Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, describing himself as a youth from Kano State concerned with Northern development, said the record shows Atiku’s focus on institution-building and opportunity creation rather than short-term political gain. He called for a politics centered on development rather than division.

Political analysts note that debates over regional contributions are likely to intensify as opposition figures position themselves ahead of 2027.