NewStats: 3,263,373 , 8,179,938 topics. Date: Thursday, 05 June 2025 at 05:30 PM 734gs

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200701034161345

There were indications in Abuja on Tuesday that the Independent National Electoral Commission might disqualify Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from the 2007 presidential election.


A source in the commission who disclosed this to our correspondent in Abuja said INEC might base its action on the indictment of Abubakar.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and an istrative set up by the Federal Government had indicted Abubakar over the mismanagement of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

The vice-president has, however, denied any wrongdoing and is challenging his indictment in court.

The vice-president had on December 20, 2006, emerged as the presidential candidate of the Action Congress.

The vice-president is contesting the indictment in court.

When ed, on Tuesday, INEC‘s National Commissioner for Political Party Monitoring, Dr. Ishmael Igbani, said the commission was yet to take a final decision on the matter.

But he added that unless Abubakar’s indictment was vacated by the court, it was unlikely that he (VP) would be cleared for the election.

He said, “We have set up a committee to screen the candidates. We are yet to take a decision on the vice-president, but according to the Constitution, anybody who has been indicted for corruption stands disqualified from the election.

”It is a constitutional provision and there is nothing INEC can do about it. We will have to follow the law.

”At whatever level, anybody that is indicted for fraud or corruption will be disqualified. For us to clear any such candidate, he has to get the court to set aside the indictment.”

When reminded that a Lagos High Court had nullified the EFCC report on the management of the PTDF, Igbani said, “He still must get the court to set aside the indictment. The court must make a definite pronouncement on the indictment.”

But in his reaction, Abubakar said it would be illegal for INEC to disqualify him based on the EFCC report.

Speaking through his Media Consultant, Mallam Garba Shehu, the VP said the EFCC report had been quashed by a high court in Lagos.

Shehu said that INEC would be operating outside the law if it went ahead to disqualify Abubakar based on the same document.

He said, ”As far as we are concerned, there is no indictment because the entire report has been quashed by the court.

”So, for us, going by the pronouncement of the court, the EFCC report never existed. The istrative ‘s report never existed. The purported gazette of the report also never existed.

”INEC cannot disqualify anybody based on a report that has been nullified except it wants to operate outside the law.

Can INEC stand up for itself and prove to Nigerian that it is really INDEPENDENT?. . . On what basis can they disqualify Atiku?

The truth is that Nigerian public officials and politicians dont know the least bit about diplomacy. Why cant that INEC official say the screening process has not started and thus can not comment on that. Why screen Atiku even before the screening process or is Atiku simply heating up the polity? Is he trying to bring the credibility of INEC to question thereby rendering the electoral process unacceptable even before the election commences?

Can someone tell Atiku that the future of 140million Nigerians is more important than than the ambition of one man.

Can someone tell Atiku that the future of 140million Nigerians is more important than than the ambition of one man.

Can someone tell OBJ that the future of 140million Nigerians is more important than the ambition of one man?

This guy hijacks every part of the Government for his own selfish gains and to fight his political battles. He tried hijacking the Senate during the third term agenda and was foiled by Nnamani. We all know about EFCC and their head hunting, now it's INEC?. . . If OBJ can hijack INEC, what credibility do we have as a nation?

OBJ has no ambition and is leaving in may. Let it be said as long as Atiku has a case of fraud before the court of law, guilty or not guilty, he stands disqualified. This has nothing to do with the INEC being independent but everything with the Nigerian constitution and what is says.
You guys in Turaki vanguard have an idea of interpreting the constitution as it pleases you and thus anything else is undemocratic.

Great men, lets think wisely, We all know when we elected ex general in the army to be our president, what do you think? OBJ is currently dealing with those who did not his third term plans or his everlasting presidential plans, listen, in my view, why can't OBJ and his EFCC find a good nailing point to bring Atiku down? it means to some extent Atiku is somehow upright in all his dealings in past 8 democratic years as Nigerian No 2 man, I only pray the face off does not turn into war, but I Atiku for forcing democracy into the head of OBJ, let see how Senate handles this one. We should be talking to OBJ and PDP not Atiku.

What the hell is it with people saying Atiku stopped third term. Please Atiku did not stop anything. The people that did the work are the activists and the National Assembly not Atiku. I don't know how Atiku has become the man known as stopping third term.
Open your eyes Nigerians.

But Atiku was not in of it, read this
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2006/dec/29/national-29-12-2006-02.htm

Dear Forum s, I will like you to analyze this hypothetical scenario

What would happen today if OBJ suddenly dies?

Will Atiku take over as president under the PDP umbrella and yet be a flag bearer of another party?

_{The rule that governs the president governs the VP too and I think Atiku is trying to drum the sympathy beat because of a third term that OBJ denies being involved with.}

Vows to come back after vacation



Vice Pres. Atiku Abubakar has said that he is not afraid of going to jail. The embattled Vice President made this statement during an interview with Elendureports.com at his Washington residence. “Obasanjo went from jail to the presidency. Why should I fear going to jail,” the Vice President told us. Scoffing at the speculation that he is on exile, Atiku said, “I will come back to Nigeria after my vacation.”




Atiku Abubakar also denied running away to the United States to escape arrest following his acceptance to run for the office of president on the platform of Action Congress (AC). “Pres. Obasanjo gave approval for this trip about one and a half months before I traveled. This is what I do annually,” he said.



Atiku Abubakar, who looked very calm and relaxed during the interview, challenged Mallam El-Ruffai to tell the world what deals he did during his tenure as Chairman of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). “El-Ruffai is a loud mouth…he should tell the whole world what deals I did at BPE for the four years I was Chairman and he was Director-General of the organization,” Atiku told Elendureports.com.

The guy wants to blackmail the whole Nigeria to the presidency who knows who is next?

I can't wait to see him return and maybe prepare to rule Nigeria after spending some time in jail.

For the umpteenth time, Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos State monday onished the electorate to defend their votes at the general elections due in April this year.

Governor Tinubu whose onition was contained in a new year message stated that the sustenance of the nation’s democracy was dependent on the role of the electorate in the electoral process.

Bola Tinubu explained that political developments in the last few months have cast shadows on the preparedness of those at the helm of affairs at the federal level to leave office when their tenure expires.
The governor prayed that God would intervene in the crisis in the presidency which he said was threatening to undermine a successful civilian to civilian transfer of power.

“It will be my prayer that Almighty Allah intervenes in the crisis currently rocking the presidency so that the people involved will realize that it is only he (Allah) who gives power.

“This is why the tension which is threatening to undermine the transition programme will be resolved”, Tinubu stated.

That to me sounds like a summersault. There is no third term anymore? guys go and get a life.

i see. no wahala

Mariory:

What the hell is it with people saying Atiku stopped third term. Please Atiku did not stop anything. The people that did the work are the activists and the National Assembly not Atiku. I don't know how Atiku has become the man known as stopping third term.
Open your eyes Nigerians.

Atiku may not have single handedly stopped third term, but it is on record that he campaigned very much against it.

Bradonfly:

listen, in my view, why can't OBJ and his EFCC find a good nailing point to bring Atiku down? it means to some extent Atiku is somehow upright in all his dealings in past 8 democratic years as Nigerian No 2 man

I totally agree with you point here. Atiku has continued to win cases in the court of law against Obj and his cronies. The onus lies on Obj to prove beyond any iota of doubt that the Atiku is guilty. I donot have any liking for Atiku, but I strongly believe in the rule of law.

Hell No!

It's not going to happen; Na shakara

Baba's balls are not big enough.

Atiku will be the Nigerian VP till May 2007.

If Atiku is proved to have embezzeled money and brought his office to ridicule, then he should be reprimanded for it. But to first illegaly "sack" him as VP and try and disqualify him for elections in 2007 shows how disgusting Obasanjo is. Obasanjo i think is behaving like a child, blocking Atiku's intentions left and right and not giving the guy space. It is stupid. All thses certainly stems from Atiku's role in the 3rd term project. Everyone accuses Atiku of stealing, well evidence should be presented to Nigerians before any action is taken against the guy. Saminu Turaki,Bola Tinubu, Attahiru Bafarawa have all decamped to PDP, AC and DPP and nothing has been done against them. Why then must Atiku be the fall-out guy. It is called double-standards and Nigerians must tell Obasanjo to allow Atiku to retain his VP. Nigerians vote in less than 4 months and will select who they want. Curbing Atiku now only brings more sympathy to his cause which could translate to more votes.
Atiku too should have resigned. You can't be part of a government and try to sink its ship. It only shows the calibre of people we have as Nigerian leaders. I think they youth need to stand up as soon as possible!

Its a good one there man, but I want to comment on the Atiku's reg issues, The guy is enjoying immunity while on his seat, if he steps out from that seat, OBJ would ridicule him, EFCC would toy with him, PDP suspended him openly just to prevaricate him from primaries, this time they will imprison him until election is over, trust the rascality of our leaders.we all should continue fighting the just course without being sentimental

You are greedy and desperate, Tsav blasts Atiku
By ROSE EJEMBI, Makurdi
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Atiku
Photo: Sun News Publishing
Mores Stories on This Section


Social critic and former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has described Vice President Atiku Abubakar as greedy and desperate in his quest to rule the country.

Speaking to Daily Sun, the retired police boss pointed out that the decision by the vice president to float another party after being frustrated in the PDP is as a result of his vaulting ambition to hold power at all costs.

According to him, Atiku who is running after two mice, however, failed to resign his position as VP because he is fully aware that if he does, he would lose his immunity, he will be arrested and charged for corruption.

Tsav who stated that Atiku’s ers are exploiting him for their financial gains posited that “such people are making money on Atiku / Obasanjo feud and the longer it lasts, the better for them.”
He advised the vice president to avoid such people and strive to defend the charges leveled against him by the EFCC and Bayo Ojo’s reports rather than attempting to defend himself.

“The problem is not with Atiku but with his advisers who recently described him and President Obasanjo as illiterates,” he said, adding that his purported advisers are doing him more harm than good.

THE WORDS IN BOLD ALSO APPLY TO IBB ERS LIKE I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES ON THIS FORUM

the only thing i like in this face off is the point that Atiku is telling OBJ to his face what he does that is not good for the rest of Nigerian.OBJ thinks and act like God, That is why he can comfortably declare his office vacant all by his own.
even though Atiku may not be the win next year, at least OBJ have had it hot these periods. TO TELL A MILLITARY MAN NO? it pains them, in democracy, we live by NOs in order to live and let live, lets all follow the rule of law, that's all.

I think OBJ is toiling with Atiku, because of some selfish motives, how can someone just turns his back on his deputy for so many years and try to get him off his office, am sure there is something really fishy behind this and am sure everyone should try to this, If Atiku is confirmed to embezzled public fund, it will be in colloboration with him and the predent becuase they work together, they are there to advice and work together but no one thinks that way here in Nigeira, they only thinks of themselves. Atiku cannot fall with all this accusation, they are just making him stronger in the view of the people, that is the way i see it

Personally i really feel that curbing atiku will only make people like him more out of sympathy, OBJ should just let him be,if allowed to contest election i believe he will not win, so insted of OBJ making him more popular he should let him be so that he doesnt win cos nigerians dont need leaders like him(atiku). the stupid old OBJ is too blind to see hence all this nonsense moves to scuttle his ambitions which is making him more popular

the only thing i like in this face off is the point that Atiku is telling OBJ to his face what he does that is not good for the rest of Nigerian

Very funny indeed. Atiku has his eyes only on one prize and has worked against any percieved threat, including Mr President. I commend OJB strongly and know for sure that he has saved the nation from an Atiku the con. You need to see to believe the lifestyle Atiku leads with his family and cronies. You'll be shocked. OBJ is the complete opposite. Yar'Adua and even Buhari are complete opposites.

But this is food for thought. How many Deputy governors are taking over from their boses in 2007, how many had the of the governors in their parties? None!

Atiku seems to think the Presidency is his birthright. Opposition to his candidacy must translate to opposition to democracy!! He uses words like "Fight against anti-democratic forces, democracy at threat etc". Seeing how frantic he is tells a lot about him. Let him be a true fighter for democracy, give up his ambition and suppor another progressive candidate, if indeed his grouse is not borne out of selfishness. But that will never happen. The arguments in his favour are pathetic.

Nobody needs a desperately over-ambitious deputy. Atiku himself, despite his legendry currupt tendencies, will not condone a disloyal deputy.

Well, to be honest, Atiku is not irrelevant anymore. He almost certainly will not get to be President and will soon be consigned to the dustin of history where he belongs.

Atiku deserves an award of "the most annoying politician of the year".

with people like Atiku, a lot of irregularities can be checked, and many will be meticulous in their dealings, are we aware that his entire families were audited, searched and scrutinized thoroughly? and yet no single point to nail him down, how many politicians will bow down to such in this country?lets call a spade a spade, why does OBJ keep trying to pull him down? let him try first. denying him presidential jet is an attitude seen in the military rule not democracy

Bradonfly:

with people like Atiku, a lot of irregularities can be checked, and many will be meticulous in their dealings, are we aware that his entire families were audited, searched and scrutinized thoroughly? and yet no single point to nail him down, how many politicians will bow down to such in this country?lets call a spade a spade, why does OBJ keep trying to pull him down? let him try first. denying him presidential jet is an attitude seen in the military rule not democracy

People are confusing issues, he has not been prosecuted because he is protected by the immunity not because he is clean. He should resign lets see how clean he is.

McKren:

People are confusing issues, he has not been prosecuted because he is protected by the immunity not because he is clean. He should resign lets see how clean he is.

Investigations and searches by EFCC, FG taking him to court for various charges, his denial of his constitutional alloted jet, his ejection from his house, seizure of his cars and security detail, removal of his aides and worst of all, his "sacking: from the government are all not persecution right?
Probably you want to see him in handcuffs first or in a hangman's loose to believe he is persecuted!

It is all the fall-out of 3rd term. Atiku brought OBJ's ambitions down. It's now payback time!

Please I did not say persecute but prosecute.

McKren:

Please I did not say persecute but prosecute.

The clarification necessary well well jooo.

OBJ has no ambition and is leaving in may[color=#006600][/color] WHO SAY?
BROS EBI LIKE SAY DAT MUGU NA YR BROS SO U WAN TALK SAY ALL DAT HIM MOVES NO READ MEANINGS TO U? ABEG THANK GOD FOR OUR SAVIOUR ATIKU FOR STOPING THIRD TERM.

edisco:

OBJ has no ambition and is leaving in may[color=#006600][/color] WHO SAY?
BROS EBI LIKE SAY DAT MUGU NA YR BROS SO U WAN TALK SAY ALL DAT HIM MOVES NO READ MEANINGS TO U? ABEG THANK GOD FOR OUR SAVIOUR ATIKU FOR STOPING THIRD TERM.

How?

edisco:

ABEG THANK GOD FOR OUR SAVIOUR ATIKU FOR STOPING THIRD TERM.

*rolleyes* Another one that believes Atiku stopped "third term"

So it is Atiku that is a good man now? because he is pointing accusing fingers to his boss, condemning his government and his way of rule? That is Nigerians for you, they forget quickly what good you have done, and they quickly let your wrongdoings overides your good deeds. Whereas it is for the same Nigerians that OBJ probably dont want Atiku to come to power by all means necessary. He has have this Atiku as his deputy for 71/2 years, he knows what he can do and what he cannot do. Cant we just agree for once that he may not want him to succeed him not because of his own selfish interest, but because of Nigerians, and because of what he sees that we dont see, because he is been there than us. Now, has anyone care to ask himself why all of a sudden Atiku is condemning the same government he partook for two ? How come he is part of the government when he knew it is a failure and cannot be reckon with? Has anyone care to ask why Atiku oppose ALLEGED third term? Was it not becaus eof his selfish interest to become the President? Was it because of Nigerians? Those of us that now condemn OBJ for his travails over Atiku, are we doing so because Atiku is a better man than OBJ? or because we see Atiku as more of a father christmas than OBJ? Or do we stand to gain something in his becoming the president? Atiku is an extravagant ruler compared to OBJ, a vice OBJ probably see in Atiku more than us that make him not to be fit as a president, because he will surely make OBJ 8 years rule not worthy of anything.
A lot has been said, now, can anyone ask himself and put ourselves in OBJ shoes, how would you react to a deputy that suddenly confronts you, disloyal to you just because he want to succeed you at all cost? I dont know your own answer, but let me quickly give you mine. - I will not let him succeed me, even if it is the last thing I do.

ATIKU will be arrested if he comes back to Nigeria. watch