The Presidency has advised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to abandon his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential poll, citing the North-South zoning principle. Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, described Atiku's renewed presidential ambition as "self-serving" and a violation of the established power rotation arrangement. According to Onanuga, Atiku's position undermines a political convention that has helped stabilise Nigeria's democracy since 1999.
Atiku had expressed his intention to contest for the office of the president for the last time in 2027 during a recent television interview on ARISE TV. Onanuga recalled that Atiku had ignored the Peoples Democratic Party's zoning tradition in the 2023 election cycle, leading to internal divisions within the party and his subsequent defeat. Onanuga argued that Atiku's claim that he is not bound by zoning is based on "dubious political arithmetic" and that the imbalance in power sharing between the North and South is due to extraordinary circumstances.
Onanuga maintained that it is only equitable for President Bola Tinubu, a southerner, to complete his own tenure after former President Muhammadu Buhari completed his eight years in office. He urged Atiku to "bury the thought of running again", warning that another attempt at the presidency would end in "spectacular failure". The Presidency's statement comes as Atiku is one of the main contenders for the presidential ticket of the opposition African Democratic Congress.
The Presidency's advice to Atiku Abubakar to jettison his 2027 presidential ambition highlights the ongoing debate about power rotation in Nigeria. Bayo Onanuga's criticism of Atiku's "self-serving" move suggests that the Presidency is committed to upholding the North-South zoning principle, which has been a cornerstone of Nigeria's democracy since 1999. By citing the extraordinary circumstances that led to the imbalance in power sharing between the North and South, Onanuga is emphasizing the need for Atiku to respect the established power rotation arrangement.
The implications of this development are significant for Nigerian politics, as it suggests that the Presidency is willing to take a strong stance on the issue of power rotation. Atiku's decision to ignore the zoning tradition in 2023 led to internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party, and it is likely that a similar move in 2027 would have similar consequences. The Presidency's statement is a clear warning to Atiku and other politicians who may be considering challenging the established power rotation arrangement.
The fact that Onanuga is urging Atiku to "bury the thought of running again" and warning that another attempt at the presidency would end in "spectacular failure" suggests that the Presidency is confident in its position and is willing to take a firm stance on the issue. This development is likely to have significant implications for the 2027 presidential election and the future of Nigerian politics.
The wider pattern of Nigerian politics suggests that the issue of power rotation will continue to be a major factor in the country's democracy. The North-South zoning principle has been a cornerstone of Nigerian politics since 1999, and it is likely that it will continue to shape the country's political landscape for years to come. As the 2027 presidential election approaches, it is likely that the issue of power rotation will become increasingly prominent, and the Presidency's statement is a clear indication of its commitment to upholding the established power rotation arrangement.
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