By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba
In the lead-up to every election cycle in Nigeria, one hears all kinds of arguments. Some are rooted in ideology, some in ethnic sentiment, and others in convenience or personal bias. One argument currently being weaponized against Atiku Abubakar’s expected 2027 presidential bid is that of age. Critics say he would be too old to govern effectively. But this claim, often made without deeper reflection, falls apart under closer scrutiny. It is therefore disheartening to see how bloggers and certain media houses are sponsored to attack His Excellency Atiku Abubakar on the basis of age. The Chief Dele Momodu’s words, “Age cannot be an automatic qualification or disqualification in politics,” always remind me that leadership should be measured by vision, capacity, and experience, not by the calendar. What truly matters is the ability to deliver results, inspire hope, and govern with wisdom.
Blaming age for the failure of a leader is like blaming a tool instead of the person holding it. The inability of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to meet the expectations of Nigerians during their eight and 2 years in office respectively, was never truly about their ages. It was about preparedness, vision, competence, and the capacity to govern a diverse and complex country, which were qualities they all lacked. They were never fully prepared for the intricacies of modern leadership, and their party, the APC, was equally rudderless in terms of ideological clarity and strategic governance. Age simply became the scapegoat for a failure rooted in deeper, structural incompetence.
But to use this experience as a benchmark for all elder statesmen is not only unfair but dishonesty. Around the world, some of the most effective and beloved leaders stepped into power well into their seventies and still governed with excellence. Joe Biden became President of the United States at 78, inheriting a country fractured by political extremism and battered by a global pandemic. Within months, he had passed historic economic recovery packages, restored global alliances, and brought back dignity to the Oval Office. His age didn’t hold him back even though he has some challenges at a point. As the world’s famous democratic nation, the US had consecutively voted for three presidents who’s ages were between 70 and 80 years and Americans voted for all of them willingly, including the most recent president Trump’s comeback in 2024.
Closer to home, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s president at 75 and left office after just one term, universally admired for guiding a divided nation into a new democratic era. He wasn’t loved because he was young and energetic, but because he embodied integrity, clarity of purpose, and the moral strength to lead.
Talking about Brazil as even more stronger example, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, born on 27 October 1945, is currently serving as Brazil’s president, having taken office on 1 January 2023 . At nearly 80 years old, he remains an influential leader on the global stage. Brazil currently chairs the BRICS group and is hosting COP30 in Belem, pushing forward agendas in the interest of his country, and this shows that age alone does not define leadership quality.
Similarly, if Atiku Abubakar is elected in 2027, he is more likely to lead effectively and achieve impactful governance, regardless of his age. He is our Nigeria’s Abraham Lincoln, a statesman of resilience, vision, and unity. Like Lincoln, he has faced defeats yet never abandoned his conviction that his nation deserves justice, prosperity, and inclusiveness. He embodies the spirit of persistence, the courage to bridge divisions, and the wisdom to lead Nigeria toward a future where every citizen has a place at the table of progress, and these were exactly what he demonstrated in the past, present and will certainly do in future.
During his time as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, Atiku was a driving force behind one of Nigeria’s most economically dynamic periods. His leadership in the privatization and liberalization of key sectors especially telecommunications ushered in an era of investment and innovation. The GSM revolution, which drastically changed the communication landscape in Nigeria, was a direct outcome of the forward-thinking economic reforms he championed. He wasn’t just a ceremonial deputy; he was an active driver of policy and reform, making him the most powerful Vice President in Africa and one of the best around the world.
Beyond his record, what sets Atiku apart is his demonstrated readiness. His policy campaign documents and his covenant with Nigerians show a man who is not just running out of ambition, but out of deep understanding and a commitment to address Nigeria’s toughest problems. The document isn’t just political rhetoric, it is a detailed roadmap outlining how to restructure the nation, rebuild the economy, secure lives and property, and create jobs. He has thought through the solutions. He has laid out the steps. And he has surrounded himself with some of the brightest minds who understand what it means to move Nigeria forward.
Those who argue that Nigeria needs younger leaders must also be honest enough to look at examples of young Nigerian politicians who failed. I don’t have to mention names here, but the truth remains that their age did not translate to performance. Majority of them have nothing to show in their states and constituencies despite the huge amount of money they have collected on behalf of the people.
Youth is not a substitute for leadership. Passion is not the same as policy. Energy is not equal to execution. What Nigeria needs now more than ever is a leader who understands the engine of government and how to make it work for the people. A leader who can unite a divided nation, restore investor confidence, and confront insecurity with strategic resolve. Atiku has the scars of experience, the benefit of hindsight, and the hunger to leave behind a legacy greater than power.
Age will always be a factor in political discourse, but it should never be a disqualifier for competence. What Nigeria should be asking is not “How old is he?” but “Can he do the job?” If the answer is yes, and in Atiku’s case, it clearly is, then it is time we put sentiment aside and focus on what truly matters: track record of competence, performance, vision, readiness and the capacity to lead.
The truth is, leadership is never about the date on a birth certificate. It is about vision, competence, compassion, and readiness. Atiku Abubakar is therefore not too old to be President. He is simply too experienced, too prepared, and too determined to be ignored.
Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can reached via ssbaba.pys@buk.edu.ng
