2027 Presidency: Atiku Rejects Oba Of Lagos No Vacancy Declaration

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected the declaration by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, insisting that Nigerians will ultimately determine who occupies the presidency through the ballot.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Atiku’s reaction followed an endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid by the Lagos monarch during a visit to his palace by the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council, led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari.

Akiolu had reportedly expressed support for Tinubu’s bid while receiving the APC delegation, declaring that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock over the next five years.

However, Atiku argued that the decision on who occupies the presidency belongs to Nigerian voters and cannot be predetermined by traditional rulers or political campaign groups.

In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president maintained that the presidency is not a position that can be allocated by a monarch.

Atiku further argued that the 2027 presidential election would provide Nigerians with the opportunity to make their choice through the democratic process, stressing that no individual or group could decide the outcome before voters cast their ballots.

He also criticised the perceived disconnect between political endorsements and the difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians, pointing to concerns over hunger, insecurity and the rising cost of living.

The ADC candidate maintained that while the Oba was entitled to have a preferred presidential candidate, such a preference could not be presented as the decision of the entire Nigerian population.

Atiku’s response has added another layer to the emerging political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the ADC candidate insisting that the electorate, rather than traditional institutions or political groups, will have the final say on who occupies Aso Rock.