2027: Atiku Camp, Presidency Clash Over Power Rotation

The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised comments by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on North-South power rotation ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that no individual or group has exclusive claim to Nigeria’s leadership.

Onanuga had argued that President Bola Tinubu should complete two terms in office, maintaining that the South should retain power until 2031 following the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reacting, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the position as unconstitutional and anti-democratic, accusing the Presidency of attempting to undermine democratic principles.

In a statement shared on social media, Shaibu said power rotation remains a political convention rather than a constitutional provision and should not be used to suppress opposition.

“No presidential aide has the authority to rewrite the Constitution or reduce democracy to a regional entitlement,” he said, adding that attempts to pressure Atiku out of the 2027 race reflect “fear, not principle.”

He also accused the ruling camp of hypocrisy, noting that those now defending zoning had previously set it aside when it suited their political interests.

Shaibu further dismissed claims that zoning influenced the outcome of the 2023 elections, alleging that the poll was marred by irregularities and institutional compromise.

He criticised references to the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as justification for current political arguments, describing such remarks as “morally wrong.”

“The idea that any president must complete eight years is anti-democratic. Leaders are elected and can be voted out,” he said.

The Atiku aide maintained that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, not any region or political bloc, urging the administration to focus on performance rather than political narratives.

The exchange underscores growing political tensions as alignments and debates over zoning and power rotation begin to shape discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.