Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns about the disparity in presidential tenures between Nigeria's northern and southern regions. His remarks, responding to advice from Senator George Akume for northern aspirants to wait until 2031, emphasize the importance of fairness in leadership distribution. Atiku highlighted that by 2027, the South would have held the presidency for 17 years, creating a six-year gap compared to the North.
According to The Punch, Atiku stressed the need for a balanced approach to national leadership, grounded in equity and justice for all regions of the country. He underscored that the power to elect leaders lies solely with the Nigerian people and should not be dictated by political figures or regional interests.
In assessing the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, Atiku was critical of its performance, questioning whether it has fulfilled its promises to the electorate. He argued that the government’s legitimacy to seek re-election should be based on its ability to meet the needs of Nigerians and deliver on its commitments.
Atiku also called on Nigerians to take their civic responsibilities seriously in future elections, urging them to prioritize competent leadership that fosters unity and progress. He emphasized that the ultimate power to shape the country's future lies in the hands of the voters, who must hold leaders accountable for their actions and policies.
According to him, "the power to elect and vote out their government lies firmly with the Nigerian people, entrusted to them upon the government’s ability to prove itself worthy of the people’s ballot. But has the Tinubu government demonstrated that it deserves to be re-elected?. The answer, alas, is as clear as the heavens themselves—God forbid.”