Atiku Vows to Prioritise Yoruba Interests if Elected President

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured that the Yoruba will occupy a “topmost place” in his policies if he emerges as Nigeria’s president in 2027.

Atiku dismissed fears of Hausa/Fulani domination under his leadership, describing them as baseless. According to him, his marital and personal ties with the Yoruba firmly establish his bond with the South-West.

“The entire Yoruba stock is my extended family and in-laws,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by his media consultant, Kola Johnson.

Atiku, who married his first wife, Titi, an Ijesha-born Yoruba woman, in the 1970s, highlighted their four children and decades-long marriage as proof of his deep-rooted connection.

“My children with Titi call me ‘Baba Rere’, meaning good father. I am extremely in love with them and remain a responsible father, as I encourage all fathers to be,” he stated.

The former vice president further described his wife as his “Jewel of Inestimable Value” while stressing that the Yoruba have always been among his closest allies.

“Anyone who knows me knows I am highly detribalised. Long before politics, I related effortlessly with people of different ethnic, religious and sectarian backgrounds,” he added.

Atiku, the runner-up in the 2023 presidential election, is preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls.