The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman, Seye Oladejo, has expressed concerns about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's 2027 presidential bid, questioning whether the contest is driven by a national agenda or personal ambition. Oladejo stated that while ambition and contesting elections are not wrong, Nigerians should scrutinize the circumstances surrounding Atiku's latest bid, particularly his description of 2027 as his final opportunity to achieve his presidential ambition.
Oladejo also raised questions about Atiku's decision to engage Kenneth Okonkwo as his 2027 campaign spokesperson, recalling Okonkwo's previous criticisms of Atiku while serving as a spokesperson for Peter Obi's Labour Party campaign in 2023. This development has been described as a significant turnaround, raising questions about the campaign's communications strategy and whether it aims to provide an aggressive reputational makeover for Atiku.
Furthermore, Oladejo referred to Atiku's reported engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm, which included efforts to strengthen Atiku's reputational standing among U.S. policymakers and counter narratives from the Nigerian government. This international lobbying effort, alongside domestic political messaging, suggests considerable investment in managing Atiku's political narrative, but Oladejo argued that image management cannot substitute for a record.
Oladejo also questioned Atiku's record as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, citing the political controversies surrounding the 1999–2007 administration. He noted that Atiku's responsibilities included the National Council on Privatisation and economic policy, while his tenure was later overshadowed by a political rupture with Obasanjo, who made serious criticisms of his former deputy in his book, My Watch.
Additionally, Oladejo criticized Atiku's position on petrol subsidy, recalling his 2023 position that the subsidy was unsustainable and his current declaration to restore it. Oladejo argued that the issue requires more than a campaign promise, and Atiku should explain how such a policy would be funded and sustained, including where the funds would come from, how much government would spend, and who would qualify.
The APC spokesman further argued that identifying economic hardship is different from presenting a sustainable solution, and Atiku's proposed return to subsidy requires a clear explanation of its fiscal implications, implementation mechanism, and long-term sustainability. He also questioned whether Atiku's movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) represented a substantive change in political ideas.
Oladejo concluded that the 2027 election should not become a vehicle for one politician's final presidential ambition, and Nigerians should scrutinize the plans, records, and proposed policies of those seeking the presidency. He emphasized that the presidency of Nigeria is not a consolation prize for political longevity and that the country's economic and security challenges cannot be solved by slogans, image management, or convenient policy reversals.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar's 2027 presidential bid has been questioned by Lagos APC spokesman Seye Oladejo over concerns of personal ambition and policy inconsistencies.
- Oladejo expressed concerns about Atiku's engagement of Kenneth Okonkwo as his campaign spokesperson and a Washington-based lobbying firm.
- The APC spokesman also questioned Atiku's position on petrol subsidy and his record as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
