….Elder statesman cautions politicians against divisive politics
By Didimoko A. Didimoko
As Nigeria begins to pivot toward the 2027 general elections, prominent elder statesman Chief Adesunbo Onitiri has issued a cautionary message to three high-profile political figures: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and Labour Party leader Peter Obi.
Onitiri, a veteran of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle in the early 1990s, expressed concern over what he described as actions and rhetoric that could threaten the nation’s fragile political stability. In a statement released from Lagos on Saturday, he urged these political leaders to exercise restraint and act with a heightened sense of patriotism.
With Nigeria still grappling with severe economic hardships, rising insecurity, and the aftershocks of contentious elections, Onitiri’s intervention comes amid mounting political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 polls. The political environment has become increasingly charged, with accusations, legal petitions, and strategic alignments dominating headlines.
Onitiri singled out Atiku Abubakar for particular criticism following reports that the former vice president is seeking legal intervention from a U.S. court aimed at disqualifying President Bola Tinubu from contesting in 2027. He described the move as “unnecessary and unacceptable to most Nigerians,” warning that such actions could erode public confidence in democratic processes and inflame political tensions.
“As one of the original democrats who risked our lives during the 1993–1994 struggle against military dictatorship, we cannot sit idly by while politicians open the door for anti-democratic elements,” Onitiri stated. He referred to the tumultuous years when civil society and pro-democracy activists fought to end military rule, culminating in the return to civilian governance in 1999.
The elder statesman emphasised that while constructive opposition is vital in a democracy, it must not be weaponised to destabilise the government or create division. “We committed democrats will not fold our arms while our people suffer from hunger and insecurity,” he said. “The opposition should allow the President to focus on governance and delivering the dividends of democracy.”
Acknowledging the immense socioeconomic challenges Nigeria faces—many of which the current administration inherited—Onitiri called for unity and collaboration across party lines. He urged both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties to put national interest above partisanship and work collectively to address the country’s pressing issues.
“The Federal Government is making efforts to tackle the economic and security crises it met on the ground in 2023. What is needed now is cooperation, not division,” he concluded.
