Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described the period between 1999 and 2007, when Atiku Abubakar served as Nigeria’s Vice President, as the most productive and transformative era in the nation’s democratic history.
Speaking in a televised interview on AIT Live News, Okonkwo highlighted economic growth, institutional strengthening, and policy reforms as hallmarks of the administration.
“Atiku Abubakar was Vice President from 1999 to 2007, that has been the best for Nigeria,” Okonkwo declared, emphasizing the lasting impact of the leadership duo of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the country’s political and economic landscape.
According to Okonkwo, the return to civilian rule in 1999 provided an opportunity for Nigeria to stabilise its institutions after decades of military governance.
He attributed the country’s relative political stability, clearer federal-state relations, and renewed international engagement to this period. “The democratic transition allowed policies to be implemented that strengthened governance structures and re-established Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage,” he said.
Okonkwo also pointed to significant economic milestones achieved under the Obasanjo-Atiku administration. He noted that reforms in the banking sector, expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, and efforts to attract foreign investment created a foundation for sustained growth in subsequent years.
The ADC chieftain underscored Atiku Abubakar’s role in driving privatization initiatives and contributing to economic management, asserting that these measures encouraged private sector participation and improved fiscal discipline.
Beyond economics, Okonkwo praised the administration for its commitment to institution-building.
He highlighted the establishment of policies that promoted transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, which he argued were crucial in consolidating Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. “Those years laid the groundwork for stronger governance and more effective public administration,” he said.
Contrasting the Obasanjo-Atiku era with later administrations, Okonkwo expressed concern over what he described as inconsistent policy direction and weak implementation in subsequent governments.
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