Veteran journalist Reuben Abati condemned statements made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding ethnic considerations ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Abati appeared on Arise Television's Morning Show Thursday to address Atiku's recent declaration that Yoruba people need not worry about his leadership since he married an Ijesha woman and fathers children with her. The media veteran labeled these comments as unfortunate and accused the presidential hopeful of introducing tribal elements into national politics. Experienced politicians should address substantive national challenges rather than appeal to ethnic connections.
Abati emphasized that voters expect solutions to pressing problems like oil theft, NNPC operations, insurgency and terrorism instead of personal family details. The journalist argued that ethnic appeals remain unacceptable when serious governance issues demand attention. Previous Yoruba presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu demonstrate adequate regional representation in Nigerian leadership. Political candidates must present concrete policy proposals rather than rely on marriage relationships to gain voter confidence.
Abati emphasized that voters expect solutions to pressing problems like oil theft, NNPC operations, insurgency and terrorism instead of personal family details. The journalist argued that ethnic appeals remain unacceptable when serious governance issues demand attention. Previous Yoruba presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu demonstrate adequate regional representation in Nigerian leadership. Political candidates must present concrete policy proposals rather than rely on marriage relationships to gain voter confidence.
