2027: ATIKU’S AIDE REACTS AS OBA OF LAGOS ENDORSES TINUBU
Read Time:2 Minute, 31 Second
By:Aminat Tajudeen
Phrank Shaibu, media aide to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has said Nigerians, rather than traditional rulers, will determine who becomes the country’s president in the 2027 election.
Shaibu was reacting to comments by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu, who declared that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next four or five years after endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
The monarch made the declaration on Monday when he received the Director-General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, and members of his delegation at his palace in Lagos.
According to Akiolu, “One important thing that I know very well is that for the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”
He also urged politicians not to treat political disagreements as permanent conflicts, stressing that disagreements could eventually give way to understanding.
Reacting in a series of posts on his X handle late Monday, Shaibu urged the monarch not to equate the traditional institution with the presidency.
He acknowledged the Oba’s right to support his preferred candidate but maintained that the monarch could not endorse Tinubu on behalf of Nigerians.
“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 stated.
He added that there would be a vacancy in 2027 because the Constitution provides for a presidential election, stressing that the ultimate decision rests with voters.
“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,” he said.
Shaibu further argued that democracy should not be treated as a coronation, noting that no individual or institution could determine the outcome of the presidential election before Nigerians cast their ballots.
“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,” he added.
Shaibu’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
His principal, Atiku Abubakar, has repeatedly criticised the administration of President Tinubu, particularly over the removal of the petrol subsidy and questions surrounding the President’s academic and National Youth Service Corps credentials.
On September 13, 2026, Atiku also challenged Tinubu to account for funds saved following the removal of the fuel subsidy, amid the renewed threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The former Vice President argued that the latest strike threat was inconsistent with the Federal Government’s justification for removing the subsidy, given the continued funding challenges confronting public universities.
His comments followed ASUU’s renewed warning over outstanding obligations and unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, heightening concerns over another disruption to the academic calendar.
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