2027: Atiku’s Aide Rejects Oba of Lagos’ Claim That Tinubu Has No Rival

Phrank Shaibu, media aide to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu’s assertion that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock in the next four or five years.

Shaibu said the decision on who would occupy the Nigerian presidency in 2027 belonged to the electorate, not traditional rulers or political campaign organisations.

The aide was reacting to comments made by the Lagos monarch on Monday when he received the Director-General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, and members of his delegation at his palace.

During the visit, Akiolu expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term and said he was confident that the presidency would remain occupied by Tinubu over the next four or five years.

“One important thing that I know very well is that for the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the monarch said.

Akiolu also urged politicians to avoid treating political disagreements as permanent hostility, saying, “Politicians don’t fight; they only disagree to agree later.”

Atiku’s aide challenges monarch

Responding in a series of posts on his X handle late Monday, Shaibu said the Oba had the right to support his preferred candidate but could not speak on behalf of the Nigerian electorate.

He cautioned the monarch against equating the authority of his traditional institution with the powers attached to the presidency.

“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,” Shaibu said.

He argued that the 2027 election would produce a vacancy in the presidency because the Constitution provides for elections and the possibility of a change in leadership.

“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.

According to Shaibu, the electorate would determine the outcome through the ballot, regardless of the preferences expressed by traditional rulers, political allies or campaign organisations.

“The people, and not kings, courtiers or APC campaign councils, will decide that through the ballot,” he added.

The aide further maintained that the outcome of the presidential election could not be predetermined by an endorsement from any individual or institution.

“Kabiyesi, democracy is not a coronation. You may have a preferred candidate, but you do not have the authority to declare Nigeria’s presidential election settled before Nigerians vote,” Shaibu said.

Political contest intensifies ahead of 2027

The exchange comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general election.

Tinubu, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, has received support from several political groups and individuals as he prepares to defend his mandate.

Atiku, meanwhile, is seeking the presidency under the ADC, following the formation of an opposition coalition aimed at challenging the ruling party.

Shaibu’s response reflects the position of the Atiku campaign that the 2027 election should be decided by voters rather than political endorsements or declarations made before the poll.

Atiku has in recent months criticised the Tinubu administration over economic policies and other issues, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and questions surrounding the President’s academic and National Youth Service Corps credentials.

On September 13, Atiku also called on Tinubu to account for the funds saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy, following the renewed threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The former vice-president argued that the strike threat raised questions about the Federal Government’s justification for the subsidy removal, particularly in relation to funding for public universities.

The dispute between the two political camps is expected to continue as the 2027 election approaches, with both sides seeking to strengthen their positions and win the support of Nigerians.