African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has pushed back against the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, insisting the 2027 presidential race remains wide open and that no traditional ruler can pre-determine its outcome on behalf of the Nigerian electorate.
Atiku’s response followed remarks by Oba Akiolu declaring that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next five years, a statement he made while hosting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, led by the party’s Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, at his palace in Lagos. During the visit, the monarch threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication via a post on X, Atiku maintained that the constitution, not royal pronouncement, would determine whether the presidency changes hands, arguing that a traditional ruler had no standing to speak for the country’s electorate.
“Aso Rock is not an extension of your palace,” the ADC candidate said, adding that the presidency was not a “royal stool” to be allocated at will. He stressed that while the Oba was entitled to a preferred candidate, he could not declare the election settled before Nigerians had cast their votes.
Atiku further argued that the realities of everyday hardship facing citizens — including hunger, insecurity and the rising cost of living — were unlikely to be felt within the palace walls, but remained pressing concerns for millions of Nigerians counting down to the 2027 polls.
He closed his statement by reiterating that the ballot box, not the palace or party campaign councils, would have the final say on the country’s next president.
The exchange adds to the growing list of political flashpoints ahead of the 2027 general election, as parties and prominent public figures stake out early positions in the race to succeed—or retain—Nigeria’s presidency.
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