’The Presidency has pushed back against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his renewed indication of interest in the 2027 presidential race, accusing him of prioritising personal ambition over Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement.
In a response issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described Atiku’s repeated bids for the presidency as being at odds with the country’s long-standing North–South “zoning” understanding.
The statement came after Atiku’s recent interview with Charles Aniagolu on Arise Television, where he argued that he is not bound by the rotation principle, insisting that the South had, in his view, held power longer than the North since 1999.
The Presidency rejected that argument, describing it as “dubious arithmetic”.
He maintained that any perceived imbalance in rotation was the result of an “accidental breach” following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the subsequent completion of his tenure by then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.
“This accidental breach does not invalidate the power rotation arrangement between the North and the South,” he said.
READ ALSO
“Since President Buhari completed eight years in office, President Tinubu should also be allowed to complete his tenure.”
The Presidency further argued that Atiku’s stance on zoning contributed to internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections, which ultimately led to his defeat at the polls.
It warned that a similar approach in 2027 would likely end in what it described as another “spectacular failure”.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
The statement also aimed at Atiku’s shifting political affiliations, suggesting he may already be aligning with the African Democratic Congress ahead of the next election cycle.
The Presidency insists that the South should retain the presidency in 2027 under the informal rotation arrangement.
It argued that zoning remains central to maintaining political balance and national stability.
It dismissed Atiku’s ambition as personal and “self-serving”, insisting he has failed to draw lessons from past electoral defeats.
