A lawyer and former National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress, Maurice Oru Ebam, has warned that excluding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential election could trigger widespread protests, political unrest and a national crisis.
Ebam, who issued the warning in a statement on Saturday, said the political reactions and mobilisation witnessed in Sokoto and Kebbi states should serve as a warning to those responsible for safeguarding Nigeria's democracy.
He said the public sentiments surrounding the 2027 elections showed the depth of political emotions in the country, warning against any attempt to prevent eligible candidates from participating in the electoral process.
"Let nobody underestimate the political consequences of excluding Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential ballot," he said.
The political commentator insisted that Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders through a credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.
He warned that excluding Atiku through what he described as undemocratic means could undermine public confidence in the electoral system and create tensions across the country.
"If Atiku Abubakar is excluded from the ballot through undemocratic means, the country could face serious political unrest, widespread protests and a crisis of confidence in the electoral process," Ebam said.
He stressed that his warning should not be interpreted as a threat but as an appeal to political actors and electoral authorities to respect democratic principles and citizens' rights.
"This is not a threat. It is a warning about the consequences of undermining democratic participation and the people's right to choose," he added.
Ebam said Nigeria had experienced enough bloodshed, instability and avoidable political crises, urging political leaders not to take actions capable of pushing the country into another period of uncertainty.
He maintained that the 2027 presidential election should be determined by voters rather than political manipulation, intimidation or the exclusion of candidates.
"2027 must be decided by the Nigerian people at the ballot box, not by political manipulation, intimidation or exclusion," he said.
He called on stakeholders to prioritise national stability and democratic participation, insisting that the country's peace should not be sacrificed for political interests.
"Democracy must prevail. Nigeria must not bleed because politicians refuse to respect the people's choices," Ebam stated.
Post A Comment: