African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Youth Council has strongly condemned a recent interview granted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on AriseTV, describing it as a display of “blind ambition” rather than a demonstration of leadership.

In a statement released by Mallam Mohammed Rabiu, the council expressed disappointment over the former Vice President’s comments, labeling them a significant setback for the burgeoning coalition.

The statement highlighted the ongoing internal friction in Adamawa as evidence of a leadership vacuum.

Rabiu noted that the failure to harmonise Congress lists has left high-profile supporters, including Senator Aisha Binani and Senator Ishaku Abbo, disgruntled and threatening to leave the party.

“It is a shame that his own state is engulfed in crisis due to a lack of leadership quality.

“Instead of him calling the key actors to a meeting to resolve these issues, he has ignored the complaints of Binani and Abbo to identify with Babachir Lawal. Leadership should start from home,” the group claimed.

The Council further asserted that the legal challenges initiated by Nafiu Bala Gombe must be resolved before any debates regarding “popularity” can take place. Rabiu argued that Atiku should be acting as a father figure and guide for the coalition rather than competing with the very people he is supposed to lead.

The ADC National Youth Council also appealed to other prominent leaders, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rotimi Amaechi, to exercise restraint.

Rabiu urged them not to be drawn into a “media war” with the former Vice President, commending them for so far ignoring what he described as Atiku’s “outbursts.”

“Those around the former Vice President are misleading him for personal financial gain; his leadership influence has faded,” Rabiu stated.

The statement concluded with a stern warning that Atiku’s recent actions have created more problems for the ADC coalition than the legal battles involving Nafiu Bala Gombe and Leke Abejide.

The Council cautioned that “over-ambition” remains the greatest threat to the unity currently being built among the coalition’s leadership. (Nigerian Tribune)