Prominent youth advocate and political figure Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has identified former Vice President and 2023 presidential flagbearer Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a key force in the drive to restore Nigeria’s democratic path ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made this known following a closed-door strategic engagement with Atiku, during which both leaders deliberated on the pressing need to forge a cohesive and formidable opposition capable of unseating the ruling party.
He noted that the move to establish a broad coalition under the ADC umbrella could not have come at a better time, particularly given the lingering leadership and structural crises troubling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Okai, Atiku’s timely involvement spared numerous political actors from becoming politically stranded as a result of the turmoil within their former platform.
He further argued that the ex-Vice President’s wealth of political experience has offered Nigerians a credible alternative to what he described as a ruling party that has fallen short of its electoral pledges.
In his words, “Today, we are no longer at the mercy of those bent on destroying the PDP from within, because a stronger coalition has emerged due to Atiku’s foresight.”
The youth leader stressed that the ADC-driven alliance has ensured that opposition voices remain audible and relevant within Nigeria’s democratic landscape, warning that without it, dissent would have been largely muted.
Okai also praised Atiku’s endurance and decades-long contribution to national service, referencing his formative years in the Nigeria Customs Service as evidence of his depth in public administration.
Characterising Atiku as an attentive and inclusive leader, Okai said the discussion was marked by mutual respect, adding that the former Vice President demonstrated genuine interest in grassroots issues.
He maintained that Atiku continues to show unwavering dedication to the protection of democratic institutions and to sustaining a vibrant opposition that speaks for everyday Nigerians.
Okai concluded by calling on opposition loyalists to stay resolute as momentum builds toward 2027, voicing optimism about the emerging political trajectory and once again affirming his slogan: “Okai is Okay.”
