Presidency Tells Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai: "Wait for 2027 to Test Your Popularity

Presidency Tells Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai: "Wait for 2027 to Test Your Popularity

ABUJA, NIGERIA - In a striking rebuke, the Nigerian Presidency has urged prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to "wait for 2027 to test their popularity." This bold statement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in response to recent criticisms from these political heavyweights.

The controversy began when Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of offering N50 million to destabilize opposition parties. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) swiftly denied these allegations, calling them "baseless and laughable." El-Rufai further fueled the fire by describing the current state of governance as a "national emergency" during a national conference in Abuja.

In a late-night post on social media, Dare emphasized that the opposition leaders should hold off on their political ambitions until the 2027 general elections. He stated, "While President Tinubu was seeking solutions to Nigeria’s energy problems in Tanzania, some ‘wannabes’ were heating up the polity." The Presidency's message was clear: the focus should be on improving the lives of Nigerian citizens and building a resilient economy, not on political theatrics.

The APC also criticized Atiku's comments on judicial involvement in electoral matters, calling it ironic given his history as Nigeria’s “most prolific electoral litigator.” The party urged Atiku to respect the democratic process and refrain from interfering. "As a veteran politician, one would expect Atiku to understand that while democracy may be about winning elections, it is, more importantly, about respecting the will of the electorate and working towards the greater good of all," the APC stated.

Adding to the debate, Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, responded to the Presidency's remarks with a call for accountability and transparency in governance. Obi emphasized that the opposition's criticisms are rooted in a desire to see a more equitable and effective government, urging the administration to focus on addressing pressing national issues.

Meanwhile, Nasir El-Rufai highlighted the challenges facing the country, pointing to rising insecurity, economic instability, and infrastructural decay as areas requiring urgent attention. He called on the government to adopt a more inclusive approach in tackling these issues, stressing that the opposition's role is to ensure that the voices of all Nigerians are heard.

The Presidency's response highlights the ongoing tension between the ruling party and the opposition as Nigeria gears up for the next general elections. With the political landscape heating up, the 2027 elections are set to be a battleground for these influential figures to prove their popularity and leadership capabilities.

As the political climate intensifies, the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration cannot be overstated. The nation's progress hinges on the ability of its leaders to rise above partisan divides and work together for the common good. The upcoming elections will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for Nigeria's democratic resilience and the effectiveness of its political institutions.