“Aso Rock Is Not An Extension Of Your Palace” — Atiku Blasts Oba Of Lagos Over ‘No Vacancy In 2027’ Comment

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar, has fired back at the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, over his declaration that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027.

Atiku, in a strong-worded reaction shared on X by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, said the Nigerian presidency is not a traditional stool that can be allocated by monarchs.

The Oba of Lagos had made the declaration when the APC Presidential Campaign Council led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Lagos. The monarch stated that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next five years, signaling his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.

But Atiku rejected the claim, insisting that only Nigerians will decide who occupies the presidency through the ballot in 2027.

According to him, the Oba can endorse President Tinubu as his preferred candidate but lacks the authority to make such an endorsement on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians.

Atiku further argued that many Nigerians are currently grappling with hunger, insecurity and the rising cost of living, issues he said will shape how citizens approach the 2027 election.

He took a direct swipe at the suggestion that the presidential contest had already been settled, stressing that democracy should not be treated as a coronation.

“Nigerians will have the final say when they cast their ballots. The outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters rather than kings, courtiers or political campaign councils,” Atiku said.

He maintained that the Constitution provides for a presidential election in 2027 and it is Nigerians, not traditional rulers or campaign councils, who will ultimately determine the outcome.
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