Elder statesman Chief Adesunbo Onitiri has issued a strong warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Governor Peter Obi, urging them to avoid actions or rhetoric that could destabilise Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Saturday from Lagos, Onitiri acknowledged the trio as respected national figures and statesmen but called for greater restraint and patriotism in their political engagements.
He cautioned that escalating political tensions could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“As one of the original democrats who risked our lives during the 1993–1994 pro-democracy struggle, we cannot stand by while certain politicians create openings for anti-democratic forces to exploit,” Onitiri stated.
He specifically criticised Atiku’s reported attempt to seek a U.S. court’s intervention to disqualify President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next election, describing the move as “unnecessary and unacceptable to most Nigerians.”
“We committed democrats will not fold our arms while our people suffer from hunger and insecurity. The opposition must allow the President to focus on governance and the delivery of democratic dividends,” he added.
Onitiri stressed that the current economic and security challenges facing the nation demand unity and collaboration across party lines. He called on both the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition leaders to set aside political rivalry for the greater good of the country.
“The Federal Government is making efforts to tackle inherited economic and security challenges since assuming office in 2023. What the nation needs now is cooperation, not division,” he concluded.
