Veteran politician and elder statesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has issued a strong warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Peter Obi, urging them to avoid actions that could destabilise Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released Saturday in Lagos, Onitiri, a known pro-democracy advocate during the 1993–1994 struggle against military rule, appealed to the trio to demonstrate greater patriotism and responsibility in their political conduct.
He cautioned that heightened political tension could threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
Furthermore, “As one of those who risked our lives to defend democracy, I cannot remain silent while some politicians take steps that might reopen the door to anti-democratic forces,” Onitiri said.
He specifically condemned Atiku Abubakar’s reported legal move to involve a U.S. court in a bid to disqualify President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027, calling it “unnecessary and unacceptable to most Nigerians.”
“True democrats cannot sit by while citizens suffer from hunger and insecurity. The opposition must allow the President space to govern and deliver on his promises,” he stated.
Onitiri also emphasized that Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges require unity rather than political division. He urged both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition leaders to cooperate for national progress.
“The Federal Government is making efforts to tackle the economic and security issues inherited from 2023. Now is the time for collaboration, not confrontation,” he added.
