Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to subvert democratic principles and silence opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, via 𝕏.
The statement followed remarks by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who had insisted that President Tinubu “must complete eight years” in office based on the North-South power rotation arrangement.
Onanuga argued that since Tinubu succeeded a northern president who served two terms, it was the South’s turn to retain power until 2031.
The position has, however, drawn criticism from opposition figures, who described it as unconstitutional.
Reacting, Shaibu rejected the argument, insisting that no political aide has the authority to dictate constitutional provisions.
“Dear @aonanuga1956, let me tell you clearly: no presidential aide, no matter how loud or reckless, has the authority to rewrite the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or reduce democracy to a regional entitlement scheme,” he said.
He added that power rotation remains a political arrangement, not a legal requirement.
“Power rotation is a political convention, not a constitutional decree and certainly not a tool to silence credible opposition,” Shaibu stated.
Shaibu further accused the presidency of attempting to intimidate Atiku out of the 2027 race.
“This tired attempt to bully @atiku out of the race reeks of fear, not principle,” he said.
He also accused the ruling party of inconsistency on zoning principles.
“The same people who shredded zoning within their own party when it suited them now pretend to be its custodians. Hypocrisy has never worn such a cheap costume,” he added.