Muhammed Basil, a member of the House of Representatives from Adamawa State, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from partisan politics and assume the role of an elder statesman.
Basil, who represents Jada/Ganye/Toungo/Mayo-Belwa federal constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the call as Nigerians look forward to the 2027 elections.
Speaking with The Punch in an interview, the legislator stated that it was time for Nigeria’s presidential hopeful, Atiku, to step aside and allow younger politicians to take the lead.
Basil said: “Whatever one does in life, there comes a time to step aside and give way to younger people, especially when age is no longer on your side.”
He described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain as a powerful and respected politician, adding that his experience would be better utilised as a national adviser rather than an active partisan figure.
The federal lawmaker said: “When you look back and discover that many of those you once played politics with have left the scene, it is more honourable to take a bow and become a political compass for younger politicians.
Atiku’s seat as an elder statesman is waiting for him at the national level.” Basil urges Atiku to exit politics Furthermore,
Basil noted that Atiku had made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, stressing that exiting active politics at the peak of public acclaim would preserve his legacy.
He said: “There is diminishing return in everything. Age moves faster, and when people around you begin to move to other camps, these are signs that you have reached a boiling point in life.”
Atiku said he would bring peace and unity to the country and improve its economic fortunes if elected president.
