FG highlights Atiku’s role in post-June 12 power rotation consensus

The Federal Government has revealed that former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was among the prominent political leaders who consented to the adoption of a rotational presidency in Nigeria. This political arrangement was established in the turbulent aftermath of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disclosed this during a World Press Conference in Abuja. The briefing was convened as part of state activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day anniversary. According to Senator Akume, the decision to alternate presidential power between the northern and southern regions emerged from intensive consultations among political leaders striving to preserve national unity following the June 12 crisis.

Historical consensus and the Kaduna declaration

Senator Akume stated that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) initially convened in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma. During these deliberations, the contentious issue of power rotation was extensively debated before a formal consensus was reached. The SGF noted that Alhaji Atiku was present at the meeting and actively participated in the decision-making process that ultimately institutionalised the rotational presidency.

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The SGF described the agreement as a difficult but indispensable measure taken to mitigate the severe political tensions generated by the annulment of the election. The historic 1993 poll, won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, remains widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Democratisation and the road to 2027

Senator Akume also emphasised that a fundamental lesson from the June 12 experience is that the will of the people must remain supreme in a constitutional democracy. He expressed strong confidence that Nigeria’s democratic institutions have evolved sufficiently to prevent any future recurrence of such an annulment.

These official remarks coincide with intensifying national debates regarding zoning and power rotation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Alhaji Atiku, a perennial contender, is widely expected to remain a central opposition figure in the upcoming electoral cycle.