Second Term Not Tinubu’s Birthright’ – Atiku’s Camp Blasts Onanuga

Political tensions have hit a new high between the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Presidency over the sensitive matter of North-South power rotation. The dispute flared after President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, reacted to Atiku’s recent Arise TV interview where the PDP chieftain hinted at another presidential bid in 2027. Onanuga insisted the South must hold the presidency until 2031, arguing that the region deserves its full eight years following the two terms of former President Muhammadu Buhari from the North.

NaijaChoice News reports that Onanuga described Atiku’s position as self-serving and a threat to the long-standing rotation arrangement that has helped stabilise the polity since 1999. He urged the former vice president to bury any fresh ambition and respect the convention. The remarks quickly drew fire from Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, who took to his X handle to issue a strong rebuttal.

Shaibu dismissed Onanuga’s position as unconstitutional and anti-democratic, stressing that power rotation remains a mere political convention and not a binding law. “Power rotation is a political convention, not a constitutional decree — and certainly not a tool to silence credible opposition,” he wrote. He accused the ruling camp of hypocrisy, claiming those now preaching zoning had jettisoned it within their own party when convenient.

The Atiku aide further rejected any link between zoning and the PDP candidate’s loss in the 2023 election. He blamed the outcome on alleged state interference, institutional compromise and electoral irregularities that many Nigerians still remember vividly. Shaibu also frowned at references to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s death as justification for rotational equity, describing such arguments as morally bankrupt and disingenuous in 2026.

On the core claim about Tinubu’s tenure, Shaibu was blunt. “The notion that Tinubu ‘must complete eight years’ is the most anti-democratic statement anyone can make in a constitutional republic,” he said. He reminded the Presidency that presidents are elected, not crowned, and can be voted out by the people.

Shaibu defended ongoing opposition coalition efforts and mocked suggestions of cracks within the ranks. He said the ruling camp’s comments only exposed fear of a strong challenge. “Atiku does not need your permission to run,” he added. “Come 2027, it will not be aides, nor propaganda, nor recycled talking points that decide Nigeria’s future — it will be the Nigerian people. And they are watching closely.”

The exchange has once again thrown the spotlight on Nigeria’s delicate zoning debate. While the unwritten North-South formula has guided major parties in the past, critics insist it cannot override the Constitution or the will of voters. As the 2027 race gathers steam, analysts say performance, not regional entitlement, may ultimately sway the electorate.