2027: Akande recounts how Buhari’s govt humiliated Tinubu; urges Atiku to make sacrifices
Laolu Akande, a former aide to President Bola Tinubu, highlighted accusations of marginalization and humiliation faced by Tinubu during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, Akande urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to make sacrifices to unify the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Akande recalled that despite Tinubu’s significant role in Buhari’s election in 2015, he was mistreated within the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he chose to remain loyal to the party, waiting for his opportunity rather than abandoning it.
“I witnessed instances where Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sidelined during Buhari’s presidency,” Akande said. He described how, in meetings, Tinubu was often positioned behind him, illustrating his marginalization.
Despite these challenges, Akande noted that Tinubu remained patient and politically active, ultimately succeeding Buhari in 2023. “He just waited. He bided his time,” Akande remarked.
Akande also referenced the controversy surrounding the naira redesign policy prior to the 2023 election, asserting that Tinubu’s response to political obstacles was to mobilize rather than retreat from his ambitions.
Addressing the divisions within opposition parties, Akande dismissed claims that the APC was solely responsible. He contended that political parties must withstand pressure from the governing party to be effective. “If you are serious as opposition, you must be able to withstand it,” he stated.
He attributed some of the opposition’s difficulties to ego, suggesting that Atiku should take the lead in creating a united front against Tinubu. “The person that ought to make the move here is Atiku,” he said.
Akande urged Abubakar to prioritize collective goals over personal ambition, stating, “Atiku is one that was supposed to say, ‘We are going to make sure that we get this guy out, and I’m going to sacrifice.’”
He argued that such a decision could enhance the opposition’s prospects for a coordinated challenge against the ruling party.
Reflecting on historical context, Akande noted that some ministerial nominees suggested by Tinubu were rejected under Buhari’s administration, emphasizing the challenges he faced within the APC. Despite these setbacks, Akande characterized Tinubu’s choice to remain in the party and await another opportunity as a significant sacrifice.
He encouraged opposition leaders to learn from Tinubu’s experiences by prioritizing broader political objectives over individual ambitions.
