Former Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Idi Farouk, has described leading political figures such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Atiku Abubakar as credible contenders, emphasizing the growing pool of experienced aspirants ahead of future elections.
Speaking during a live interview on Trust TV, Farouk noted that both men, along with others in the political space, represent a strong lineup of candidates capable of driving competitive democratic processes. He remarked that while Kwankwaso is “a good candidate” and Atiku “a very good candidate,” the broader field is filled with individuals who possess the experience and influence required for leadership.
Farouk explained that the presence of multiple strong aspirants reflects the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democracy, where political parties are expected to present capable individuals to the electorate. According to him, this situation places greater responsibility on voters and party delegates to carefully evaluate candidates based on competence, track record, and their ability to address national challenges.
He urged political actors to shift attention away from personal rivalries and focus instead on issue-based campaigns that tackle pressing concerns such as insecurity, poverty, and economic instability. Farouk stressed that leadership decisions should be guided by merit rather than sentiment, ethnicity, or regional considerations.
Commenting on opposition dynamics, he highlighted the importance of transparent internal processes within parties like the African Democratic Congress. He noted that the credibility of party primaries would significantly influence public trust in whoever emerges as the eventual flagbearer.
Farouk also pointed out that beyond individual strengths, candidates will ultimately be tested by their ability to unify supporters and appeal to a wider national audience after party primaries.
He concluded that the emergence of multiple capable candidates should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen democratic choice in Nigeria, rather than a source of division within the political landscape.
