Elder statesman Chief Adesunbo Onitiri has appealed to leading opposition figures including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi to avoid any conduct or rhetoric that could undermine Nigeria’s political stability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released in Lagos on Saturday, Onitiri called for restraint and a deep sense of patriotism from political leaders, warning that escalating tensions could jeopardize the nation’s democratic gains.
“As someone who fought against military dictatorship in the 1990s, I cannot stand by while politicians risk creating openings for undemocratic forces,” he said.
Onitiri specifically criticised Atiku’s reported effort to involve a U.S. court in moves to disqualify President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next election, describing the step as “unnecessary and broadly rejected.”
He stressed the need for national unity in addressing pressing economic and security challenges, urging both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties to prioritize Nigeria’s collective interest over political rivalry.
“The current administration has been addressing inherited challenges since 2023. What the country needs now is cooperation, not conflict,” Onitiri stated.
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