‘Tinubu Not Crowned For Eight Years; He Will Be Voted Out’ – Atiku Camp Blasts Presidency

A fresh political dispute has erupted between the presidency and opposition figures over comments relating to power rotation and President Bola Tinubu’s tenure ahead of the 2027 general election.

The controversy followed remarks by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who insisted that President Tinubu must complete two terms in office under an informal North-South zoning arrangement. The comments came after a live television interview granted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Onanuga maintained that after the tenure of a northern president who served two terms, it was now the South’s turn to retain power until 2031. The position has triggered criticism from opposition figures who argue it is not constitutionally backed.

Reacting in a post on X, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, accused the presidency of attempting to redefine democratic principles and suppress opposition voices.

Explaining his position, Shaibu stated: “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. Power rotation is a political convention, not a constitutional decree and certainly not a tool to silence credible opposition.

“This tired attempt to bully Atiku Abubakar out of the race reeks of fear, not principle. 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. Let’s dismantle this lazy narrative.”

He also addressed claims about the 2023 presidential election, stating: “First, the 2023 election was not lost because of zoning. It was lost through a toxic cocktail of state-backed interference, institutional compromise, and electoral irregularities that Nigerians have not forgotten. So spare us the revisionist history.”

On the use of historical references in current political arguments, he said: “Second, invoking the unfortunate passing of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as a political excuse in 2026 is not just disingenuous — it is morally bankrupt. A national tragedy should not be weaponized to justify mediocrity or shield failure.”

On the issue of tenure expectations for President Tinubu, Shaibu stated: “Third, the notion that Tinubu “must complete eight years” is the most anti-democratic statement anyone can make in a constitutional republic. Presidents are not crowned for eight years — they are elected, and they can be voted out. That is the essence of democracy your camp seems to have conveniently forgotten.”

He further argued that Nigeria belongs to citizens rather than political blocs: “Nigeria does not belong to any region, any rotation cartel, or any political clique. It belongs to Nigerians. I mean, all Nigerians who are today groaning under the weight of disastrous policies, crushing inflation, and a government that has clearly lost its moral and economic compass.”

Shaibu also criticised the government’s performance, saying: “And let’s be frank: if this administration had delivered even a fraction of the competence it promised, you wouldn’t be hiding behind zoning as a shield. You would be campaigning on performance. But there is no performance, only propaganda.”

Responding to comments about opposition coalition politics and Peter Obi, he said:

“That line about Peter Obi “bolting out” of ADC is nothing but panic speaking.

It betrays a camp around Tinubu that is clearly rattled by the mere idea of a united opposition. You don’t dictate who joins or leaves a coalition, you only expose your fear when you try.

Peter Obi doesn’t take instructions from jittery aides in Abuja. And if your government had anything solid to campaign on, you wouldn’t be busy hallucinating cracks in the opposition.”

He added: “As for the cheap jab about “perennial candidate,” it only exposes your anxiety. You don’t attack a man repeatedly unless he remains your biggest threat.”

Shaibu concluded by affirming Atiku Abubakar’s political stance ahead of 2027: “So here is the reality your camp must come to terms with: @atiku does not need your permission to run. He does not need validation from aides who confuse loyalty with noise. And come 2027, it will not be aides, nor propaganda, nor recycled talking points that decide Nigeria’s future, it will be the Nigerian people. And they are watching. Closely.”

The exchange adds to rising political tension between the ruling party and opposition figures as early positioning ahead of the 2027 general election continues.(SaharaReporters)