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SOMETIMES, hot-button political issues have turned even the happiest families to break ties, leading to what some describe as a “war of the family name”. This refers to an intense conflict, rivalry or competition within a prominent political family aimed at controlling political power or public influence. Father/son disagreement often acts as a trigger for this intense emotions, anger and anxiety. A recent survey conducted in the United States shows just how much the nation’s bitter political divide is causing social splintering and taking a toll on family members, father-and-son relationship. Even decades-long friendships have been caving under pressure, giving new meaning to what the survey called “social distancing”.
Recently, Abba Atiku, son of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, caused a sort of political tempest when he announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). He said his decision was for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu. He also said that his decision was driven by the president’s economic politics. He did not spared any superlative words he could muster in describing what Tinubu’s policies meant for him and his business. “If anyone says this administration is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying. I believe if he is given another term, the government will do even more because it’s focused. I speak from the perspective of a businessman and entrepreneur”, he said.
Abba Atiku is perhaps unaware of public opinion that despite incumbency factor, many issues make Tinubu unelectable. According to many, Tinubu’s public standing is even worse than that of Atiku in a fair and transparent election contest. But do you blame the young Atiku? Like every other defector to APC, Abba Atiku has gone to where he feels his “bread is buttered”. In Nigeria’s present political climate where defections have become the buzzword, Abba Atiku’s defection is seen as one of strangest betrayals in recent times, maybe, only second to that of his namesake and Governor of Kano state, Abba Yusuf, whose godfather, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been crying bitterly of what he calls “the “strongest betrayal” in Nigeria’s political history.
Not so, really. There are several notable examples that offer invaluable lessons that when it comes to politics, you cannot trust anyone- not even your own children or political allies. But no doubt, betrayal by enemies is expected, however, when it comes from family, children and trusted friends, it can be devastating. First, let’s put few things in perspective: Abba Atiku, who has until now, followed in his father’s footsteps, is the son of Atiku’s first wife Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar(Nee Titilayo Albert) born in Ilesha, Osun state. She is popularly known for her work with Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation(WOTCLEP). It’s not certain how solid that marriage is now, but Titi has been very supportive of her husband’s political aspirations for over three decades. It not also certain if she influenced Abba’s surprise decision.
Nonetheless, when Abba announced his decision in Abuja, he said he was leading the members of “Haske Atiku Organisation” away to “Haske Tinubu Organisation”. In Hausa language, ‘Haske’ means ‘light’, someone who brightens or illuminates things. It’s also a metaphor for someone who makes better things happen. In other words, Abba is saying that his father’s lights have dimmed, and no longer relevant in the present scheme of things. By extension, Tinubu is the ‘light’. Can you imagine that kind of rebranding. Who says Nigerian politics is not a fun to follow. It also heaves with hysteria. Perhaps most shocking to Atiku Abubakar and his fan base is his son’s defiant declaration that his father doesn’t have what it takes to defeat Tinubu in next year’s presidential poll.
Anyone searching for a Unique Selling Point(as it’s said in Advertising and Marketing), Atiku’s son has provided a sword for his father’s political adversaries. I guess political consultants are taking note. This certainly will affect Atiku’s chances in the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), no matter what how much he tries to dodge the sword. This is almost like what Absalom, son of King David did to him(2 Samuel 13-19). We will come back to that in the closing paragraphs of this piece. We may not have noticed Atiku’s inner anguish. The piercing of the sword from his son cuts deep even though his exterior doesn’t quite show the scares. Atiku’s response shows maturity under pressure.
He said political choices made by family members “are normal in a democracy”. He insists he doesn’t interfer with the conscience of his children. “As a democrat, I don’t coerce my own children in matters of conscience, I certainly will not coerce Nigerians”. One may add that sometimes that’s what polygamist suffer. Atiku has at least four wives. King David had eight wives. That’s not to say that a man with one wife cannot go through the same sword from any of his children. Several notable instances also exist. But in the present case of Atiku’s son, the following cases do offer invaluable lesson, that when it comes to the greasy pole of politics, anything is possible. What politics cannot tear apart perhaps does not exist.
Though Abba hasn’t told anybody that he is contesting for any elective post in Adamawa or elsewhere on the platform of APC, as his soul is entirely in Tinubu’s re-election, similar thing happened in 1957 when a young man, Samuel Goomson Ikoku of the Action Group challenged his father, a renowned educationist, Dr. Alvan Azinna Ikoku whose face was emblazoned on the old N10 note. The senior Ikoku contested on the platform of the United National Independent Party in the Eastern Regional House of Assembly. The young Ikoku defeated his father.
As recent as 2019, two siblings, sons of Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem and Bayo Adeyemi squared up against each other on the tickets of APC and PDP, respectively, for a seat in the House of Representatives. In the U.S., political family feuds go back to the Founders themselves – and one of them tore apart father and son. Benjamin Franklin’s son, William who had followed in his father’s footsteps for decades before becoming the Royal Governor of New Jersey strongly disagreed with his father. Their relationship became so chilly to a point of no return when William rejected his father’s persuasion to take up a position in the Continental Army, led by George Washington. The divide was so strained that they never reconciled. Benjamin later wrote painfully of being “deserted in my old age by my only son”.
Ronald Reagan was an icon of the modern Republican movement, but his son, Ron Reagan became a liberal atheist who openly disagreed with his father’s policies all through his presidency. In 2018, David Quiron and his son, David Quiron Jr, contested against each other in the Rhodes Island legislature. David Quiron senior is a Republican, while his son contested as an Independent candidate. The source of disagreement was the son’s refusal to support Donald Trump. Also, while most of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s children remained Democrats, his son Aspinwall Roosevelt II chose to be a Republican. In 1947, that shift created tension within the family, especially with his mother, Eleanor.
Michael Powell, and father, General Colin Powell, the veteran soldier and Secretary Joint Chief of Staff to two US Presidents disagreed over which presidential candidate to support – between John McCain and Barack Obama in 2008. While Michael threw his weight behind McCain, Gen. Powell rallied support for Obama. Currently, family feud still rocks the Kennedy political dynasty over the decision of one of their own, Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s endorsement of Trump, especially his views on vaccines and decision to run as Independent presidential candidate in the 2024 US election. That makes politics a complicated game, doesn’t it?
Taken as a whole, when a father and his son disagree on such hot-button issue like politics, better watch out: the final outcome may not bode well. That’s where rift between David and Absalom, among several notable instances, become instructive. That of David and Absalom, remains a tragic biblical narrative of familial betrayal, rebellion, and grief. It’s worth reliving that Absalom, a handsome, cool guy, with admirable long hair, murdered his half-brother Amnon to avenge the rape of his sister, Tamar. He later staged a ‘coup’ to steal his father’s throne. He later died in the battle that ensued despite David’s instruction to his military commander, Joab to spare Absalom’s life.
After spending four years manipulating the people and gaining popularity, Absalom eventually declared himself King of Hebron, forcing his father(David) to flee. Imagine that! Consequently, David assembled his army to protect his throne. In the ultimate battle of supremacy, Absalom’s long hair got caught in an oak tree while riding a mule. Joab killed him. No mercy, in spite of the king’s order. Upon hearing his son’s death, David was heartbroken. He cried out with this famous anguish, “Oh my son, Absalom, my son, Absalom. If only I had died instead of you”. The tragic story highlights the consequences of dysfunction within a family. Nigerian politics is full of this dysfunctionality. What Abba Atiku has done is just a dress rehearsal of what lies ahead of 2027. Better watch out!
