2027: Atiku Slams Tinubu’s Endorsement, Labels APC Move as Desperate

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of the National Assembly.

Atiku described the move as a sign of panic and desperation within the ruling party, warning that the real power lies with Nigerians, not political elites.

The APC had on Friday, during its National Summit in Abuja, received open endorsements for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid from both the APC Governors’ Forum and the leadership of the National Assembly.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio notably declared Tinubu as the party’s—and the nation’s—sole presidential candidate for the next general election.

Reacting to the development, Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the endorsement as irrelevant to the pressing realities facing the country. He said the focus of Tinubu’s administration should be on solving Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship rather than seeking premature re-election support.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, Ibe stated: “When you’ve prepared diligently for an exam, you can sleep soundly the night before, waking up assured of success. That’s the position of our coalition.

“Nigerians are the ultimate judges. Their endorsements will determine the outcome, not the political manoeuvrings of the ruling party. The recent endorsements reveal the panicked state of this administration.”

He lamented the worsening security situation in parts of the country, including Borno State, where insurgents have reportedly reclaimed some territories, and criticised the government’s failure to address rising living costs and deteriorating social services.

“Insecurity is at an unprecedented level, with territories being reclaimed by insurgents in Borno State and other regions. The cost of living is unbearable. Families struggle to feed themselves, access healthcare, or send their children to school.

“As school fees are due, many are weighed down by these burdens. Yet, the government has done little to address these challenges, choosing instead to focus on political games,” Ibe said.

Atiku’s comments underscore the increasing tension between the ruling party and the opposition as political activities begin to heat up ahead of the 2027 general elections.