Year: 2025

KATSINA, July 16, 2025 – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar drew massive attention at the burial of late President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina on Tuesday, raising fresh debates about the political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who attended the high-profile funeral alongside key political heavyweights including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains, was greeted by a large crowd chanting “Sai Atiku.” The strong display of support has intensified speculation that Atiku is consolidating influence within the ADC ahead of 2027, with many political analysts questioning the chances of Labour Party’s Peter Obi in securing a viable platform for his presidential ambition. Observers note that if Atiku secures the ADC ticket, Obi’s path to the presidency could become significantly more challenging. Some political commentators suggest that Obi should consider negotiating for the vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket with Atiku, rather than risk political isolation. “In Nigerian politics, coalitions and strategic alliances often determine success,” one analyst noted, drawing parallels with Goodluck Jonathan, who rose to the presidency after accepting the VP role under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007. Analysts argue that for Obi, accepting a vice-presidential slot could keep him relevant on the national stage and position him for future leadership opportunities. The unfolding developments indicate that 2027 will likely be dominated by power blocs, mergers, and survival politics, as major contenders begin to align forces across regional and party lines.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing it as a landmark step toward restoring the dignity of the Yoruba traditional institution. Oba Akanbi lauded the decision to bury Oba Adetona according to Islamic rites without subjecting his remains to traditional practices such as mutilation, which he likened to “acts done by butchers.” The Awujale, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest on Monday in accordance with Islamic customs. Soldiers were deployed during the burial to prevent traditionalists from disrupting the process after Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, affirmed that the late monarch had clearly expressed his burial wishes. In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo commended the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for ensuring the monarch’s wishes were honored. He described their stance as a “victory for the Yoruba race.” “The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the Attorney General is commendable and a blessing to restore the glory of Yoruba stools. Any town willing that its king be butchered after death should rather appoint an herbalist or Ogboni as their ruler,” Oba Akanbi said. He stressed that Oba Adetona had set a new standard for how Yoruba monarchs should be buried, emphasizing that traditional rulers should be treated with dignity even in death. “Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, not butchered like an animal,” the Oluwo stated. Oba Akanbi further advocated that the burial of monarchs should follow the instructions left by the king before death or his family’s decision afterward, condemning the forceful seizure of royal corpses by secret societies. The Iwo monarch reaffirmed his stance against idol worship and traditional cult practices, noting that he had liberated the Oluwo stool from such influences since ascending the throne a decade ago.