Former presidential aide Laolu Akande on Friday denounced the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar's suggestion that the presidency should revert to the North, labeling the stance as an insult to Nigerians from that region. Akande, who previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, made the comments during an interview with Symfoni TV.
**What was the core argument?**
Akande argued that Nigeria must preserve the long‑standing practice of a rotational presidency to foster national unity and a sense of belonging among its diverse regions. He said, “Atiku is basically saying the North is angry and wants power back, and that idea, with due respect to our brothers in the North, is an insult. This country must maintain rotational presidency for purposes of building a sense of belonging.”
**Which parties and figures were mentioned?**
He referenced the ADC’s choice of candidate, noting that a more serious approach would have seen the party select former governor Rotimi Amaechi or prevent Peter Obi from exiting the race, which would have elevated Atiku’s profile. “If they were serious, they should have picked Amaechi, or they should have prevented Obi from leaving, and then Atiku would have been a star,” Akande added.
**Why is rotational presidency important?**
The principle of rotating the highest office among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones has been used to balance power and mitigate regional tensions since the return to civilian rule. Akande emphasized that abandoning this practice could alienate regions and undermine national cohesion.
**Background on the ADC and Atiku**
The African Democratic Congress, a smaller opposition party, nominated Atiku Abubakar, a former vice‑president, as its presidential candidate for the upcoming election. Atiku’s campaign has highlighted the need for the North to regain the presidency, a claim that has sparked debate among political commentators.
**What did Akande say about the broader electoral landscape?**
He warned that candidates must demonstrate readiness and viability, and that resorting to regional power grabs could damage the democratic process. Akande’s remarks reflect a broader concern among some political insiders that the election could become a contest of regional entitlement rather than national vision.
**Conclusion**
Akande’s criticism underscores the sensitivity surrounding regional representation in Nigeria’s presidential contests. By urging adherence to the rotational presidency tradition, he aims to preserve a sense of inclusion across the country’s diverse ethnic and regional groups.