By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Tinubu’s Eight-Year Tenure Claim Sparks Debate
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will complete an eight-year tenure. He made this statement on Thursday while responding to comments by Atiku Abubakar on power rotation. Onanuga spoke in reaction to Atiku’s remarks on Arise TV, where he questioned Nigeria’s North-South power balance since 1999.
Atiku Questions Power Rotation Balance
Earlier, Atiku argued that the South has held power longer than the North. He stated that the South governed for 18 years, while the North held office for 10 years.
Furthermore, he asked, “Who is in the deficit?” He also revealed that the 2027 election would be his final presidential attempt.
Onanuga Calls Atiku’s Argument Self-Serving
However, Onanuga rejected Atiku’s claims. He described them as self-serving and contrary to zoning principles.
He stressed that Atiku ignored his party’s zoning arrangement in 2023. According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party expected power to shift South after northern leadership.
PDP Crisis Linked to 2023 Ambition
Onanuga also blamed Atiku’s ambition for internal divisions within the PDP. He said the decision weakened the party before the election.
As a result, he argued, the party suffered defeat at the polls. He added that Atiku risks repeating the same mistake in 2027.
Yar’Adua’s Death Affected Northern Tenure
Onanuga further explained the North’s shorter time in power. He pointed to the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010.
This event led to the succession of Goodluck Jonathan. Therefore, he said, the imbalance does not invalidate zoning.
Tinubu Must Complete Two Terms
Finally, Onanuga insisted that zoning remains valid. He noted that Muhammadu Buhari completed two terms.
Consequently, he argued that Tinubu must also complete eight years in office.
