There’ll be vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, Atiku replies Oba Of Lagos

Atiku Abubakar has fired back at the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, over his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, insisting that Nigerians — not traditional rulers — will decide who occupies Aso Rock.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said there would be a vacancy in the Presidential Villa in 2027 because the Nigerian Constitution requires a fresh election.

His response followed a declaration by the Oba of Lagos that there would be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock for the next five years.

The monarch made the statement when the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, visited his palace in Lagos.

Reacting through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Atiku said the Oba could support any candidate of his choice but could not determine the decision of millions 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,” Atiku said.

He added that only voters had the authority to decide the outcome of the 2027 presidential election through the ballot box.

“The people, and not kings, courtiers or APC campaign councils, will decide that through the ballot,” he said.

Atiku also accused political leaders of being disconnected from the economic hardship facing many Nigerians, arguing that the election would be determined by issues affecting citizens.

“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,” he added.