A former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has urged the opposition to rally behind credible southern candidates like Rotimi Amaechi or Peter Obi to mount a serious challenge against President Bola Tinubu in 2027, warning that Atiku Abubakar’s “shadows” are stifling democratic progress.

Akande, who gave the advice during an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, at the weekend, stressed that a meaningful opposition challenge is vital for sustainable democracy.

“A meaningful challenge is actually desired. You know, I even think it’s an imperative for a sustainable democracy. And that’s the reason why, you know, all of us must hold our voice to the enlightenment of the democratic space,” he said.

Akande highlighted the need for clarity on zoning, noting the presidency’s continuation in the South as a settled reality.

He condemned ambivalence within opposition ranks, particularly the “shadows of Atiku Abubakar,” the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, who appears poised to seek another northern ticket.

“What ought to be clear by now, talking about the opposition, I mean the ADC, is that the presidency is going to stay in the South. And that is one of the ambivalences that is affecting the true emergence of a serious opposition.

“Because we still have, you know, the shadows of Atiku Abubakar, who wants to run… I think we’ve got to a point in my view where the question of a national presidency has become a national concern. And it’s not wise, you know, for anybody to try to undercut that,” Akande stated.

He, therefore, urged parties like the APC’s rivals to rally behind experienced southern figures, such as Rotimi Amaechi, praising the former Rivers State governor’s credentials.