Atiku: There Should Be No Selective Justice Ahead 2027 Elections

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for equal application of the law and an impartial electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku spoke when the Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) visited him as part of its consultations with key political stakeholders ahead of the elections.

The engagement is part of the Council’s efforts to promote peaceful, credible and violence-free elections as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 polls.

Speaking during the meeting, Atiku recalled his legal battle against the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, saying he obtained a judgment against a sitting president without knowing any judge.

“Between 1999 and 2007, I had sued my boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and I got judgment against a sitting president without knowing any judge. That was when the law was still working,” Atiku said.

He also explained why he did not participate in a recent peace accord, alleging that such agreements were often targeted at opposition parties while the ruling party failed to participate.

“I boycotted the peace accord because it is made only for the opposition, as the ruling party does not attend,” he said.

Atiku stressed the need for fairness and equal treatment of political actors, saying there should be no selective application of justice.

“There should be no selective justice,” he said.

The Savannah Centre recently reconstituted its Council of the Wise under the leadership of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The Council has been mandated to engage political actors and other stakeholders on issues relating to national unity, democratic stability and peaceful elections.

Its meeting with Atiku comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election following his emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate.

The Centre has emphasised dialogue among political actors and adherence to democratic principles as Nigeria approaches another highly competitive electoral cycle.