Paul Ibe, the Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, recently claimed that Atiku should be awarded a Nobel Prize for his continued pursuit of the Nigerian presidency. Ibe made this statement while discussing Atiku’s repeated presidential ambitions, which date back to 1992.
Speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics program on Thursday, Ibe addressed the narrative suggesting that Atiku has run for president too many times.
“Atiku Abubakar has been on the ballot three times, and that’s a fact: 2007 under the AC, 2019 and 2023 under the PDP,” he clarified. When challenged that Atiku had actually contested five times, including 2011 and 2025, Ibe quipped, “Atiku should get a Nobel Prize for that,” highlighting Atiku’s unwavering dedication to public service.
Ibe further explained that Atiku feels deeply indebted to Nigeria, the country that provided him with early educational opportunities and helped launch his career in the Nigerian Customs Service. After leaving the customs, Atiku ventured into business and made significant investments, including establishing an oil and gas logistics company.
“The man has a clear vision for Nigeria’s future,” Ibe added.
The media adviser emphasized that Atiku was already a successful businessman and a billionaire before entering government. He even single-handedly purchased Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), long before assuming the vice presidency in 1999.
“Don’t forget, Atiku was already wealthy before joining the government,” Ibe concluded, stressing that the former Vice President’s commitment to Nigeria goes beyond personal gain.
