Lagos APC chieftain Kamal Salau-Bashua says Atiku poses no major threat to Tinubu in 2027, insisting voters will determine the outcome
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Kamal Salau-Bashua, has dismissed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as a major threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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Salau-Bashua, a former chairman of the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), made the remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
He said Atiku, like every other qualified Nigerian, had the constitutional right to contest the presidency but maintained that his ambition would not significantly undermine Tinubu’s chances.
According to the APC chieftain, the outcome of the election would ultimately depend on voters and their assessment of the present administration.
“Atiku Abubakar is entitled to contest the presidential election, just like any other qualified Nigerian, but I do not consider his ambition a major threat to President Tinubu,” he said.
Salau-Bashua urged political parties and their candidates to prioritise convincing policy proposals and direct engagement with Nigerians rather than relying on political alliances, public declarations or assumptions about electoral victory.
He argued that electoral success required more than a candidate’s popularity or political calculations, stressing the importance of grassroots mobilisation and understanding voters’ expectations.
“An election is not won merely through political declarations or the popularity of a candidate.
“It requires the support of the people, effective mobilisation and a clear understanding of their expectations,” he said.
The former council chairman also called on Nigerians to give the Tinubu administration an opportunity to explain its policies, achievements and ongoing reforms before the 2027 general elections.
He urged citizens to assess the government’s record, particularly its efforts towards economic recovery, infrastructure development and national growth.
Acknowledging that the administration faced challenges, Salau-Bashua said voters should also consider the long-term objectives of its policies and the measures being taken to address the country’s difficulties.
“Every administration has its challenges, but Nigerians should also consider the long-term objectives of government policies and the efforts being made to address the country’s difficulties,” he said.
He further appealed to political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct issue-based campaigns and maintain peaceful engagement throughout the election period.
Salau-Bashua said the credibility of the 2027 election would depend on political actors respecting the electoral process and accepting the people’s mandate.
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He maintained that Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights freely, adding that democratic participation and political tolerance were essential to ensuring that votes count.
