Atiku's Strength and Weakness. Culled from "In Search of Real Political Party." First Published on this Blog on September 8, 2013

"Since the exit of President Obasanjo, Atiku is the only political leader on the scene who can articulate what he really wants to do as President. His clarity of thought on public affairs is outstanding. I want to be very frank and honest here; the fact that the materials on his campaign website or his published interviews were put together by advisers or consultants is irrelevant. Irrelevant because his opponents cannot boast of similar materials or consider it prudent to put together similar materials. How can you be an effective performer if you cannot conceive or develop a coherent narrative for the office that you seek to occupy? I have no doubt in my mind that Atiku is much better than his peers in that aspect - why I want to be President." 

"His major weakness, allegations of corrupt practices aside, is his unwillingness to ruffle heads or be seen to be overtly antagonistic. He should have taken a lesson from South Africa's main man, Jacob Zuma, on how to game the process legitimately. When Zuma's time came, he stood firm - no scandal manufactured by man or self-inflicted can take my title away from me. He was battle-ready, emerged onto the scene gallantly like a true warrior and got his Presidential title." 

"For instance, when Obasanjo was using EFCC and INEC to disqualify and un-disqualify Atiku years ago from running for the Presidential ticket under PDP, he should have taken his fight to the street - the people. He did not, and he paid for it badly." 

"Atiku is a management and administrative strategist. Politically speaking, he is no Mr. "If You Tarka Me, I Will Daboh You." 

Culled from "In Search of Real Political Party," Published on this Blog on September 8, 2013. 

Mr. Atiku is not tough enough. He has the attitude of former President George Bush - resentful of hostility or being on the attack. But George had a plethora of invective Carl Roes and the Apostle of bile and hate speech, Vice President Dick Cheney. So, if you are not favorably disposed to hitting your opponents or would-be opponents below the belt, then be prepared to have around you, unrepentantly loyal, articulate and fiercely speaking subordinates in the attack mode whenever and wherever necessary. Time is not in his favour. If not now, I wonder when. Once bitten, twice shy - never trust Obasanjo or any of the Retired Generals. And he should not allow his decision to run or not to run to be based on the decision of other potential contestants. He has to be the pacesetter. 

Finally, I understand from President Obasanjo's video interview that he (Atiku) has unresolved legal issues with the US criminal justice system over allegations of involvement in the bribery scandal that led to the prosecution and eventual conviction and sentencing of Rep Anderson a few years ago. If that is the case, I think it is unfortunate. And why President Obasanjo has not released the information from the States at his disposal to the Nigerian public remains a mystery. If he is indicted in the US or if he is facing corruption charges in the US Court, such charges or indictment should be made available to Nigerians.