During a productive phone call between former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a senior member of the U.S. Congress, the lawmaker extended a personal invitation for Atiku to visit Congress as his guest. Atiku graciously accepted but said he is currently needed at home in Nigeria and will ensure the visit takes place soon. His response reflects a statesman shaped by experience, guided by discipline and grounded in the temperament required for leadership—qualities often associated with America’s most respected presidents.
This stands in contrast to recent remarks by Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu. In a video released yesterday, he appears to blame his opponents for his challenges, refers to his fellow statesman Atiku as an enemy, and suggests that legitimate concerns about his government’s failure to protect ordinary Nigerians are part of an effort to remove him from power. Tinubu’s own characterization of himself as a “stubborn politician unwilling to step aside” reinforces growing concerns that he is seeking to remain in power by undemocratic and illegal means.
While former Vice President Atiku has demonstrated that he is a leader with whom the U.S. Congress and President Donald Trump can build a productive relationship that benefits both countries, the current Nigerian president, regrettably, is showing signs of political desperation and clinging to power at all costs, even when it harms the interests and well‑being of the Nigerian people.
