Atiku added that, “while the palace may be insulated from today’s hunger, insecurity and crushing cost of living, millions of Nigerians are not.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to a declaration by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next five years.
The former Vice-President fired back at the monarch on Monday night in a post shared on X by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Akiolu made the remark while speaking to the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), when a delegation led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Lagos.
“For the next four or five years, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the Lagos monarch said.
Akiolu also cautioned politicians against adopting the Machiavellian principle that “the end justifies the means” in pursuing electoral victory.
Reacting, Atiku made it clear to the traditional ruler that he is not in a position to endorse Tinubu on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians.
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The Adamawa State-born politician also reminded the revered king that the person who will be Nigeria’s next president will emerge through the ballot box.
He added that, “while the palace may be insulated from today’s hunger, insecurity and crushing cost of living, millions of Nigerians are not.”
The now-trending post read: “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.
“There will be a vacancy in 2027 because the Constitution says so. You may endorse Tinubu, but you cannot endorse him on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians.
“The people, and not kings, courtiers or APC campaign councils, will decide that through the ballot.
“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.
“Kabiyesi, democracy is not coronation. You may have a preferred candidate, but you do not have the authority to declare Nigeria’s presidential election settled before Nigerians vote. Kaaaabiyesi oooooo.”
