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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected the declaration by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said Nigerians, rather than any individual or traditional institution, would determine who occupies the Presidential Villa after the 2027 election.

The former vice president was reacting to comments made by Akiolu during a visit by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to his palace in Lagos.

The monarch had expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, declaring that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock for the next four or five years.

Akiolu also expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure another term based on what he described as the president’s performance in office.

Responding through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the presidency was not a traditional stool that could be reserved or allocated by a monarch.

He maintained that the power to decide who occupies the highest political office in the country belongs to Nigerian voters through the ballot.

Atiku also criticised the idea of declaring the outcome of the 2027 election in advance, stressing that the electorate would ultimately determine the winner.

The ADC candidate further questioned whether the country’s current economic and security situation justified the confidence being expressed by supporters of the present administration.

He pointed to issues including hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of living as matters that would be considered by voters when making their choices in 2027.

The disagreement follows the commencement of nationwide political consultations by the APC Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the election. The council, led by its Director-General, Abdul’aziz Yari, has been meeting traditional and religious leaders to seek support and guidance for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

During the Lagos visit, Yari defended the Tinubu administration’s record, highlighting its economic policies, efforts on security and infrastructure development.

Atiku’s response adds another layer to the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as opposition candidates and the ruling APC intensify their campaigns and efforts to build support across the country.

Ultimately, the question of who occupies Aso Rock after the 2027 election will be decided by Nigerian voters through the electoral process.