2027 presidency: Atiku's ex-ally warns candidates against self declaration of result

Segun Showunmi, a former ally of the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned all presidential candidates against declaring themselves as victors of the 2027 election. Showunmi cautioned that candidates do not possess the prestige of MKO Abiola, who attempted to self-declare victory in the 1993 election and was subsequently imprisoned.

During an interview with journalists, Showunmi reminded the opposition that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is authorized to declare a presidential election winner. He emphasized, "Please let me use this platform to caution them; I heard some people stating they would publish their own election results prior to INEC. Anyone attempting to declare themselves will be considered guilty of treason."

Showunmi pointed out that no candidate among them possesses Abiola's reputation, and when Abiola declared himself president without proper authorization, he faced imprisonment. He urged the candidates to recognize that Nigerian law is stringent, and any attempt to self-declare election results is a treasonable offense.