In a strong challenge to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has told the incumbent that his stay in power is coming to an end. Atiku, who ran under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner, urged Tinubu to vacate the presidential villa and go back to his political base in Lagos.
Speaking after his emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate at a party convention in Abuja, Atiku declared that Tinubu should prepare to leave office. The former vice president said the Nigerian people are ready for a change and that Tinubu’s administration has failed to meet their expectations.
According to Atiku, “President Tinubu should better pack and go back to Lagos. His time is up.” He added, “I congratulate my fellow contestants for this ticket to represent our great party in the elections scheduled for early next year. I know that you are driven by your patriotism and commitment to a better Nigeria and improved life for our people.”
Atiku defeated other aspirants, including Rotimi Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, winning 1,846,370 votes in the ADC primary election. However, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities despite Atiku’s insistence that the process was free and fair.
Atiku’s address comes amid increasing political tension as parties prepare for the 2027 presidential race. The ADC candidate has positioned himself as a formidable challenger, promising to rescue Nigeria from what he calls Tinubu’s misrule.