The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said Nigerians will decide the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, dismissing claims that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock.
Atiku was reacting to a statement by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, who, during a courtesy visit by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council led by Abdulaziz Yari, declared that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next five years and backed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In response, Atiku said the traditional ruler could not endorse Tinubu on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians.
In a statement released on social media by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Atiku stressed that the electorate, rather than traditional rulers, would determine the outcome of the election through the ballot box.
The statement read:
“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.
“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.
“The people, and not kings, courtiers or APC campaign councils, will decide that through the ballot.
“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.
“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. kaaaabiyesi oooooo.”
