Okechukwu argued that Atiku’s biggest political error was allowing former President Olusegun Obasanjo to secure a second term in office.

Atiku, who served as Obasanjo’s deputy, had reportedly nursed a presidential ambition ahead of the 2003 general election but eventually abandoned the plan to allow the former president to seek re-election.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Okechukwu highlighted some of what he considered political missteps in Atiku’s quest to become Nigeria’s president.

He said, “Atiku’s third unforced political error appeared to mirror his first in 2003, when he hurried into a presidential ambition rather than exercising patience in the established political tradition of the Fulani I know, by allowing President Olusegun Obasanjo to complete his constitutionally permitted second term.

“The second unforced error was when His Excellency breached Section 7 of the PDP Constitution and the subsisting rotation convention between North and South in 2023.”

The APC chieftain maintained that the ongoing crisis within the ADC offered another lesson on the importance of patience and strategic political engagement.

He argued that effective political strategy goes beyond assembling a political team, stressing the importance of timing, respect for the rule of law, established conventions and conflict management.

The Network of Civil Society Groups has unveiled plans to identify and publicly promote credible candidates across political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to consider individual competence and integrity rather than party affiliation when choosing their leaders.

The organisation said the initiative would provide voters with information about candidates whose track records, leadership abilities and policy proposals reflect a commitment to democratic values, inclusive representation and public accountability.

In a press statement signed by Emmanuel Olowu Aiyedun on behalf of the network, titled “2027: Supporting Persons, Not Parties; Advancing Democratic Pluralism, Inclusive Representation and Accountability,” the group said the initiative was designed to promote issue-based voting, political diversity and effective representation at the federal, state and local government levels.

It noted that the initiative had become necessary as Nigerians continued to face economic challenges, rising living costs and difficulties accessing affordable food, reliable electricity, quality healthcare, education and employment opportunities.

The organisation urged citizens to assess political aspirants based on their personal records, integrity, competence, leadership experience, public conduct and proposed policies rather than the parties they represent.

It also cautioned against blind political loyalty, stressing that religious sentiments, ethnic affiliations, financial inducements and longstanding attachment to political parties should not influence electoral decisions.

“While political parties remain important democratic institutions, party affiliation should not replace individual credibility, integrity, character, competence and a demonstrable record of public service,” the statement read.

The network further argued that allowing candidates from different political parties and ideological backgrounds to participate in governance would strengthen democratic institutions, encourage constructive debates and promote checks and balances.

As part of its planned activities, the organisation said it would organise civic education programmes, public engagements and discussions to help voters examine candidates’ backgrounds, policy proposals and commitment to public service.

It added that selected candidates from different political parties would be featured through public engagements, interviews, policy discussions and media outreach to give Nigerians more information about their leadership capacity and proposed contributions to governance.

The Network also called on political parties, aspirants, civil society organisations and media outlets to promote issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.

It urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying, ethnic divisions, religious manipulation and other forms of electoral inducement, emphasising the need for the 2027 elections to produce effective representation and accountable leadership that responds to citizens’ needs.