A former Chairman of the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Mr Kamal Salau-Bashua, has said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar does not pose a serious threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition in 2027.
Salau-Bashua, also an All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, made the claims during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos, on Thursday.
He said the outcome of the 2027 presidential election would be determined by the electorate through their votes, since democracy allows Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates.
“Atiku Abubakar is entitled to contest the presidential election, just like any other qualified Nigerian, but I do not consider his ambition a major threat to President Tinubu.
“Ultimately, the people will decide who governs them through the ballot box, and I believe Nigerians will make their choice based on their assessment of the performance of the present administration,” he said.
He added that political parties and their candidates should concentrate on presenting convincing programmes and engaging the electorate rather than relying on political calculations, mergers, or assumptions about electoral victory.
“An election is not won merely through political declarations or the popularity of a candidate.
“It requires the support of the people, effective mobilisation and a clear understanding of their expectations,” he said.
According to him, the Tinubu administration deserves the opportunity to communicate its policies, achievements and ongoing reforms to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Nigerians to assess the administration objectively, particularly its efforts towards economic recovery, infrastructure development and national growth.
“Every administration has its challenges, but Nigerians should also consider the long-term objectives of government policies and the efforts being made to address the country’s difficulties.
“The important thing is for political leaders to engage constructively with the people and provide practical solutions to the challenges confronting the nation,” he said.
Salau-Bashua expressed confidence that the electorate would exercise their constitutional rights responsibly during the 2027 general elections.
He also called on political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns, peaceful political engagement and respect for the electoral process.
The chieftain said that the credibility of the election would depend largely on the willingness of political actors to respect the people’s mandate and allow the ballot to determine the outcome.
“Democracy thrives when the votes of the people count. We must therefore encourage peaceful participation, political tolerance and respect for the choice of the electorate,” he said.