The Atiku/Amaechi Movement has declared that the 2027 presidential election should be centred on competence, experience and the urgent need to address Nigeria’s challenges rather than personalities and political rhetoric.
The group, led by Umar Ibrahim Shanono, made the position known at the weekend while reacting to recent comments by former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, concerning the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by the Movement’s National Director, Media and Communications, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, the group acknowledged Kwankwaso’s right to express his views, describing him as a respected political leader and stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic development.
“However, we must state clearly that 2027 is not about personalities. It is about capacity, experience, and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria,” Sanyinnawal said.
He argued that Atiku had demonstrated experience in both the public and private sectors and possessed a strong understanding of Nigeria’s economy and governance.
According to him, the former Vice President also has the national political reach required to foster unity at a time when ethnic, regional and other divisions continue to deepen across the country.
Sanyinnawal said the combination of Atiku’s experience with that of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, would provide Nigerians with what the Movement described as “tested leadership” at a critical period in the nation’s history.
While acknowledging differing views over the viability and capacity of the proposed Atiku/Amaechi ticket, the Movement said it would not allow political disagreements to degenerate into rancour.
It stressed that the severity of the challenges confronting Nigerians required political leaders and citizens to focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in distractions.
“Insecurity, poverty, and division — these are too serious for distractions,” the statement said.
The group consequently appealed to opposition leaders and other Nigerians committed to national development to put the country’s interests above personal and partisan considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.
