Ariwoola urges Obasanjo to help shame ‘prophets of doom’

Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has charged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to step down from the 2027 presidential race and back the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to remove the ruling party from power.

This was as Atiku vowed not to contest another presidential election if he loses next year.

Meanwhile, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, has urged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to continue playing a leading role in ensuring peaceful and credible elections, saying Nigeria must prove the “prophets of doom” wrong in the 2027 general elections.

Posting on X, the NDC Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, Theo Abu Agada, explained that President Bola Tinubu would be booted out of office in 2027 if Atiku steps down and backs Obi.

The NDC official said stepping down would not damage Atiku’s legacy but could strengthen the opposition’s chances in 2027.

Agada praised Atiku’s character and vision while maintaining that the time had come for him to step away from presidential ambitions in the interest of the wider opposition.

He wrote: “AA is a good and solid man, but he needs to give it up at this point. His idea for a working Nigeria is brilliant, but at this point, he needs to give up his ambition.

“If he steps aside, nothing is going to affect his sterling legacy. AA should support Obi to kick the APC out.”
IN an interview conducted in Hausa, Atiku said: “I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again.”

Having contested the presidency many times, Atiku urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to participate in the 2027 election, stressing the need for voters to remain at polling units to ensure their votes are counted.

“First of all, I appeal to those who have voter cards, for their own sake, their families and their future, to go out and vote. That is the solution to the problems they are facing. After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he said.

ARIWOOLA, leading the newly reconstituted 11-man Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) on a courtesy and strategic visit to Obasanjo at his office in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the Council was seeking the support and guidance of Obasanjo in its efforts to promote national unity, peaceful elections and democratic stability.

The engagement came as campaigns for the 2027 general elections officially commenced and formed part of the Council’s planned consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of the polls.

The ex-CJN urged the former President to continue his noble work of guiding Nigerians, particularly members of the political class, to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted without violence.

The Council of the Wise was established by the Savannah Centre in 2014 to engage stakeholders and help prevent election-related violence and ensure the conduct of credible elections.

It had undertaken engagements across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones ahead of the 2015, 2019 and 2023 elections.

Ariwoola said the new Council would build on those interventions as it begins a fresh round of stakeholder engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections