2027: Atiku’s aide says Nigerians will decide as Oba of Lagos backs Tinubu

Phrank Shaibu, the media aide to Atiku Abubakar's presidential campaign, has stated that Nigerians, not traditional rulers, will determine the outcome of the 2027 election. This comes after the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for another term. The monarch made the announcement at his palace while welcoming Abdulaziz Yari and members of Tinubu's campaign delegation.

Shaibu cautioned the monarch against equating the palace with the presidency, emphasizing that the presidency is not a royal position to be allocated. He reminded the monarch that the 2027 election will be decided by the people, not kings, courtiers, or political parties. Abubakar, Atiku's principal and ADC candidate, has previously criticized Tinubu's administration, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the president's academic credentials.

He has also accused the government of failing to account for the funds saved from the fuel subsidy removal, as public universities continue to face inadequate funding.