Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the recent declaration by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by Nigerian voters.
Atiku was reacting to comments attributed to the Lagos monarch during a visit by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council led by former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari.
During the meeting, the traditional ruler reportedly expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s continued stay in office, declaring that there would be no vacancy at Aso Rock for the next five years.
The statement immediately attracted a response from Atiku, who questioned the authority of any individual, including a traditional ruler, to determine the outcome of a presidential election before Nigerians have exercised their franchise.
In his response, Atiku stressed that the Nigerian presidency is an elective position and not a traditional institution where succession can be predetermined by a monarch.
The ADC presidential candidate made his position known in a statement released through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and circulated on social media.
Atiku argued that although the Oba of Lagos is entitled to express his personal political preference, such a position cannot be presented as the decision of the Nigerian people.
He said the country’s electorate, rather than traditional rulers or political campaign organisations, would have the final say when Nigerians go to the polls in 2027.
“Kabiyesi, with due respect, Aso Rock is not an extension of your palace, and Nigeria’s presidency is not a royal stool for you to allocate,” Atiku stated.
He continued by pointing to the constitutional framework governing the presidency, declaring that the political future of the country would remain open until Nigerians make their choice through an election.
“There will be a vacancy in 2027 because the Constitution says so. You may endorse Tinubu, but you cannot endorse him on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians,” he said.
The former Vice President’s comments come against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with President Tinubu expected to seek another term while opposition political figures and parties are positioning themselves for the contest.
Atiku maintained that endorsements from influential individuals, regardless of their social or traditional standing, cannot replace the role of the electorate in a democracy.
“The people, and not kings, courtiers or APC campaign councils, will decide that through the ballot,” he added.
He also drew attention to the economic and security conditions confronting Nigerians, suggesting that the experiences of ordinary citizens would be an important factor when they eventually make their choices at the polls.
According to Atiku, millions of Nigerians are currently dealing with economic pressure, insecurity and the increasing cost of maintaining their households.
He argued that these challenges could not be ignored when assessing the mood of the electorate ahead of the next presidential election.
“While the palace may be insulated from today’s hunger, insecurity and crushing cost of living, millions of Nigerians are counting every painful day until 2027,” the statement said.
The former Vice President’s response also appeared to challenge the perception that the 2027 presidential race has already been settled in favour of the incumbent.
Atiku insisted that a democratic election cannot be treated as a coronation, stressing that Nigerians must be allowed to determine their preferred candidate without any attempt to predetermine the outcome.
“Kabiyesi, democracy is not coronation. You may have a preferred candidate, but you do not have the authority to declare Nigeria’s presidential election settled before Nigerians vote,” he stated.
He ended the statement with the expression, “kaaaabiyesi oooooo,” adding a pointed and highly personal tone to his response to the monarch.
The exchange highlights the growing political tension surrounding the 2027 presidential contest, even though the election remains ahead.
The ruling APC has continued to rally support around President Tinubu, while opposition politicians are working to build platforms capable of challenging the incumbent.
For Atiku, the central issue is that political power in a constitutional democracy ultimately derives from the electorate.
His response therefore places emphasis on the importance of the ballot box rather than endorsements from prominent political, traditional or community figures.
The former Vice President has previously contested the presidency and remains one of the major opposition figures in Nigerian politics.
His emergence under the ADC platform has also formed part of wider opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 election.
President Tinubu, meanwhile, has supporters who are already campaigning for his continuation in office, with some political figures and groups arguing that his administration should be given additional time to consolidate its policies.
The competing positions are expected to become more pronounced as political parties intensify their mobilisation and candidates take their messages to different parts of the country.
While traditional rulers can influence public conversations and express personal preferences, Atiku’s argument is that such endorsements cannot determine a presidential election.
According to him, the decisive moment will come when eligible Nigerians cast their ballots.
The 2027 presidential contest is therefore shaping up as a major political battle, with questions over the performance of the current administration, economic conditions, security, governance and the credibility of opposition alternatives likely to dominate public debate.
For now, Atiku has made it clear that he does not accept the declaration that Aso Rock is already secured for President Tinubu beyond 2027.
His position is that the presidential seat remains subject to the constitutional electoral process and that its next occupant will ultimately be chosen by Nigerian voters.
About The Author
