2027: ATIKU SUFFERING FROM ‘EMIR COMPLEX’ — SEGUN SOWUNMI

Segun Sowunmi, a member of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of being disconnected from the everyday struggles of Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview on Vanguard’s Politics Hub, Sowunmi described Atiku as having an “Emir complex”—a phrase he used to suggest that the former vice-president was accustomed to receiving deference from those around him.

The remarks came during a discussion about President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in 2027. Sowunmi was responding to opposition figures who argue that the election will be a contest between the APC and dissatisfied Nigerians, regardless of how many governors support the president.

He questioned whether Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi could credibly present themselves as voices for people facing poverty, given their extensive involvement in government.

Turning to Amaechi, Sowunmi argued that the former governor had spent much of his political career in public office and should face scrutiny over his own record while criticising the country’s economic situation.

On Atiku, who served as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, Sowunmi pointed to his public appearances, convoys and lifestyle as reasons for questioning his connection with struggling citizens.

“Atiku is suffering from what you call an Emir complex,” he said.

Sowunmi’s comments reflect his assessment of the opposition leaders’ political credibility ahead of the election. They do not establish that either politician is unable to understand or represent Nigerians experiencing hardship.

The material provided did not include a response from Atiku or Amaechi to his remarks.