2027: Atiku suffering from ‘Emir complex’ — Segun Sowunmi
Segun Sowunmi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming he is out of touch with the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. Sowunmi characterized Abubakar as suffering from what he termed an “Emir complex.”
In an interview with Vanguard’s Politics Hub, Sowunmi discussed the political landscape as President Bola Tinubu prepares to seek re-election in 2027. He responded to claims from opposition leaders that the upcoming election will be a direct contest between the APC and the Nigerian populace, irrespective of the number of governors supporting Tinubu.
Sowunmi challenged the credibility of opposition figures, including Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, questioning their ability to represent the interests of Nigerians dealing with poverty, given their lengthy careers in public office. He noted that Amaechi has spent much of his political life in government before recently presenting himself as a voice against poverty.
“The opposition figures have spent their lives benefitting from government positions, like Rotimi Amaechi, who has been in politics for the past 24 years. How can he now claim to address poverty in Nigeria?” Sowunmi asked.
Sowunmi further examined Abubakar’s understanding of the realities faced by impoverished Nigerians. He pointed to Abubakar’s tenure as vice president from 1999 to 2007 and suggested that his public persona does not resonate with the struggles of the less fortunate.
“Even today, Atiku remains a figure of privilege, still moving about with a significant convoy,” Sowunmi remarked, referring to what he identified as an “Emir complex,” a term used to describe individuals accustomed to treatment that reflects their elevated status.
According to Sowunmi, this complex prevents Abubakar from empathizing with those living in poverty. “He lacks the capacity to understand or connect with the poor. He cannot present himself as a champion for the impoverished,” Sowunmi stated.
He argued that the opposition’s criticisms of Tinubu’s administration should be weighed against the track records of the critics themselves. As Tinubu prepares for his re-election campaign, he has already garnered support from several APC governors, as well as some from opposing parties.
