Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to erode democratic principles and stifle opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was conveyed through a statement issued on Thursday by Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, and shared on the social media platform X. The statement comes amid rising political tensions and growing debate over power rotation and the future of Nigeria’s political landscape.
At the heart of the dispute are comments made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who reacted to Atiku’s recent interview on Arise Television by asserting that President Tinubu “must complete eight years” in office. Onanuga based his argument on the long-standing North-South power rotation arrangement, a political convention aimed at maintaining regional balance in Nigeria’s leadership.
However, Atiku’s camp has strongly rejected this position, arguing that power rotation is neither a constitutional requirement nor a justification for limiting political participation. According to Shaibu, attempts to invoke zoning as a basis for discouraging Atiku’s potential candidacy are both undemocratic and self-serving.
“Power rotation is a political convention, not a constitutional decree and certainly not a tool to silence credible opposition,” Shaibu said in the statement.
He further accused the presidency and its allies of attempting to intimidate Atiku and push him out of the political contest ahead of 2027. Describing the situation as a reflection of political insecurity, Shaibu argued that the rhetoric surrounding zoning is being selectively applied.
“This tired attempt to bully @atiku out of the race reeks of fear, not principle,” he stated.
Shaibu also accused those advocating for strict adherence to zoning of inconsistency, alleging that the same political actors had previously disregarded the principle when it suited their interests.
“The same people who shredded zoning within their own party when it suited them now pretend to be its custodians. Hypocrisy has never worn such a cheap costume,” he added.
The exchange highlights growing political friction as Nigeria gradually moves toward another election cycle. While the 2027 elections are still some distance away, public statements and counter-statements from key political figures suggest that alignments and contestations are already taking shape.
The concept of power rotation, though widely practised in Nigeria’s political system, remains an informal arrangement rather than a legally binding rule. It has often been used by political parties to balance power between the northern and southern regions of the country, but its application has varied over time and across parties.
Analysts note that the current debate underscores deeper questions about democratic competition, inclusivity, and the rules governing political participation. While some stakeholders argue that zoning promotes national unity, others contend that it should not override the constitutional right of individuals to contest for public office.
Atiku, who has been a consistent contender in Nigeria’s presidential elections, is widely expected to play a significant role in the 2027 race, although he has not formally declared his intention. His camp’s latest remarks suggest a readiness to challenge any narrative that could limit his political ambitions.
On the other hand, supporters of the Tinubu administration maintain that continuity and stability are essential for governance, particularly in light of ongoing economic and structural reforms. They argue that allowing the president to complete two terms aligns with political precedents and promotes policy consistency.
As the political discourse intensifies, observers expect more debates around zoning, electoral fairness, and the role of opposition in Nigeria’s democracy. The coming months are likely to see increased engagement from political actors as they position themselves and test public sentiment ahead of the next general elections.
For now, the latest exchange between Atiku’s camp and the presidency reflects the early contours of what could become a highly contested political landscape, with issues of power rotation, democratic rights, and political strategy taking centre stage.
