Who Is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Introduction

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a Nigerian politician, businessman, and philanthropist who has been in the public eye for several decades. He has held various positions in government and the private sector, and his wealth and influence have made him one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian politics.

Early Life and Education

Atiku Abubakar was born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, a small town in Adamawa State, Nigeria. He was the only child of his parents, and his father was a farmer and trader. Atiku attended primary school in his hometown and later went to Adamawa Provincial Secondary School in Yola, the state capital. He went on to study at the Nigerian Police College in Lagos and later at the School of Hygiene in Kano.

Business Career

After completing his education, Atiku went into business, starting out as a tax officer in the Nigerian Customs Service. He later went on to establish several successful businesses, including a transport company, a poultry farm, and a packaging company. His success in business made him one of the wealthiest men in Nigeria and earned him a reputation as a savvy entrepreneur.

Political Career

Atiku's political career began in the early 1980s when he was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the Gongola State Internal Revenue Board. He later became the Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Service in 1993 and was appointed as the Vice-President of Nigeria in 1999. During his tenure as Vice-President, he played a key role in the economic reforms that helped to modernize Nigeria's economy.

Presidential Ambitions

Atiku has run for the presidency of Nigeria several times, starting with his first attempt in 1993. He has contested in every presidential election since 1999, and his most recent attempt came in 2019 when he ran as the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). While he has never won the presidency, he remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and is widely regarded as one of the most formidable politicians in the country.

Philanthropy

Aside from his business and political career, Atiku is also known for his philanthropic activities. He has donated millions of naira to various causes, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. He has also established several foundations and non-profit organizations aimed at providing support to the less privileged in society.

Personal Life

Atiku is married to Titi Abubakar and has several children. He is a devout Muslim and has been described as a family man who values his privacy. He enjoys reading and is known to be a fan of the works of William Shakespeare.

Controversies

Despite his achievements and philanthropic activities, Atiku has been embroiled in several controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies was his alleged involvement in a corruption scandal during his time as Vice-President. He was accused of diverting funds meant for public projects into his personal businesses, but he has denied the allegations and has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Legacy

Atiku's legacy in Nigerian politics and business is a mixed one. While he has been credited with several achievements, including his role in the economic reforms of the late 1990s, he has also faced criticism and controversies. However, his wealth and influence have made him one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian politics, and his name remains a familiar one in the country's political landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a Nigerian politician, businessman, and philanthropist who has been in the public eye for several decades. He has achieved success in both the private and public sectors, and his wealth and influence have made him one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian politics. Despite facing controversies and criticism, he remains a formidable force in Nigerian politics and is widely regarded as one of the most influential politicians in the country.