Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has firmly declared that there will be a vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, citing Nigeria’s Constitution as the basis for this assertion. His statement comes in direct response to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who recently affirmed that there would be no vacancy in the presidential office for the next five years, effectively endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term. Atiku emphasized that only Nigerians, through the democratic process of voting, have the authority to choose their next leader.
The Oba of Lagos made his remarks during a courtesy visit by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari. The visit took place at the Oba’s palace in Lagos, where the traditional ruler expressed support for President Tinubu’s re-election. However, Atiku challenged this endorsement, stating that no monarch or political figure can speak on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians when it comes to choosing a president.
In a post shared via X by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Atiku delivered a pointed message to the Oba. He wrote, “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.” He stressed that the Constitution mandates a new election in 2027, regardless of any endorsements from traditional rulers or political parties. Atiku reminded the public that democracy is not a coronation, and no individual—regardless of status—can declare an election settled before voters cast their ballots.
He further highlighted the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, noting that while the palace may remain insulated from current challenges such as hunger, insecurity, and the rising cost of living, millions across the country are enduring hardship each day. These realities, he said, underscore the urgency and importance of free and fair elections in 2027. Atiku reiterated that the people—not kings, courtiers, or campaign councils—will decide the next occupant of Aso Rock through the ballot box.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political discourse in Nigeria continues to intensify, with candidates and stakeholders positioning themselves for what promises to be a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey. The exchange between Atiku and the Oba of Lagos reflects broader debates about the role of traditional institutions in modern Nigerian politics, and the enduring principle that power ultimately rests with the electorate.
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