Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has fired back at the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, following the monarch’s declaration that there would be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock for the next four or five years.
Akiolu made the statement on Monday when the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Abdul’aziz Yari, visited his palace in Lagos as part of consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The monarch openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term and expressed confidence that the President would remain in office beyond the 2027 election.
“One important thing that I know very well is that for the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” Akiolu said.
However, Atiku rejected the declaration, insisting that the presidency is determined by Nigerian voters and not by traditional rulers or political groups.
In a response shared by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Presidential Villa was not an extension of the monarch’s palace and argued that no individual had the authority to predetermine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
“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 said.
The former Vice President added that there would be a vacancy in 2027, arguing that the constitutional electoral process would determine who occupies the presidency.
“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,” Atiku said.
He maintained that Nigerians, rather than monarchs, political leaders or campaign councils, would ultimately decide the next president through the ballot.
“The people, and not kings, courtiers or APC campaign councils, will decide that through the ballot,” he added.
Atiku also used the opportunity to criticise the current state of the country, pointing to economic hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of living as issues that would influence voters ahead of the election.
He argued that while the palace might be insulated from some of the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians, millions of citizens were experiencing the effects of economic hardship.
“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,” Atiku said.
The ADC presidential candidate further argued that democracy should not be treated as a coronation, stressing that Nigerians must be allowed to make their choice at the polls.
“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 said.
Meanwhile, Akiolu, while backing Tinubu, also appealed to politicians to ensure that the 2027 election was conducted peacefully.
The monarch urged political actors to promote honesty, unity and responsible political competition. He also cautioned against the Machiavellian principle that “the end justifies the means” in the pursuit of electoral victory.
The APC campaign council’s visit to the Oba’s palace was part of its consultations with traditional and religious leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yari appealed to Nigerians to support Tinubu for another term, citing what he described as achievements of the administration in the economy, security and infrastructure.
He said the campaign council had embarked on consultations to seek prayers, advice and support ahead of its nationwide activities.
The latest exchange further highlights the increasingly competitive political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku positioning himself as a major opposition challenger to Tinubu.
