Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent remarks about Yoruba interests ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Abati faulted Atiku’s statement that Yoruba people should not fear his presidency because he is married to a woman from Ijesha and has children with her.
Abati described the remark as “unfortunate,” accusing Atiku of playing the ethnic card ahead of 2027 elections
He said a politician with Atiku’s experience should focus on national issues instead of ethnic ties.
“To start with, that ethnic card should not work. It must not work. Nigerians want leaders to address serious problems, not where they married from,” Abati said.
He explained that Nigerians expect presidential candidates to speak on challenges like oil theft, problems at NNPC Limited, insecurity, terrorism, and issues around state funds, not about family connections.
Abati added that Yoruba people have already produced presidents such as Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu, so they do not need special assurances of representation.
He said:
“Atiku reportedly said Yoruba people should not worry because his wife is from Ijesha, they have children, and those children call him ‘Babariri.’ This is very unfortunate. Atiku, as a former Vice President, should know better than to reduce politics to ethnicity.
“What Nigerians want is not a president talking about his origin or his marriage. The real concern is what he plans to do for Nigeria.
“There are pressing matters—oil theft, controversies about NNPC Limited, the Osun State government’s complaint over state funds, as well as insurgency and terrorism.
These are the issues a serious candidate should discuss, not whether his wife is Yoruba.
“In any case, Yoruba people have had Obasanjo and Tinubu as presidents. They are already well represented in Nigerian politics.”
