Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the interests of the Yoruba people within his administration’s agenda, should he win the presidency in 2027.
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential race and finished as the runner-up to President Bola Tinubu, rejected assertions that his leadership would favor Hausa/Fulani dominance over the Yoruba or other ethnic groups.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by his media advisor, Kola Johnson, Atiku dismissed such concerns as baseless, emphasizing his deep personal and familial connections to the South-West region.
“I consider the entire Yoruba community as part of my extended family and in-laws,” Atiku explained. “I am fortunate to have married a woman from this distinguished group, which creates a familial bond between me and the Yoruba people. This connection means the Yoruba, both as individuals and as a collective, hold a special place in my heart.”
He reminisced about his first marriage in the 1970s to Titi, a Yoruba woman from Ijesha, with whom he shares four children. “For those unaware or who may have forgotten, my first wife, Titi, is Yoruba, and we have four children together. She is now over 75 years old, and we remain united,” he stated.
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Atiku referred to her as his “Priceless Treasure,” noting that their children affectionately call him Baba Rere, meaning “good father.” These familial ties, he said, highlight his enduring relationship with the Yoruba beyond political affiliations.
He also underscored his reputation as a Nigerian who transcends ethnic divisions, saying, “Long before my political career began, I have always interacted comfortably with people from various tribes, ethnicities, and faiths. The Yoruba have consistently been among my closest friends and political partners.”
Atiku assured that the South-West’s welfare would remain central to his governance. “Therefore, the welfare of the Yoruba people will always be a priority in my policy decisions and leadership if, by Allah’s grace, I am fortunate enough to become president in 2027,” he affirmed.
As a frequent presidential aspirant, Atiku is anticipated to once again contest against President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
