- Rufai Oseni accused Atiku Abubakar of being hypocritical over political zoning
- The broadcaster referenced Atiku’s 2011 legal challenge involving the PDP zoning arrangement
- The comments sparked debate online as discussions ahead of future elections intensified
Popular Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his stance on political zoning, accusing him of hypocrisy ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.
Speaking during a live discussion on Arise Television, Rufai Oseni questioned Atiku’s changing position on zoning arrangements within political parties, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The broadcaster argued that the former vice president supported zoning when it aligned with his political ambitions but opposed it whenever it worked against his interests.
“Atiku Abubakar should stop being hypocritical. When zoning favours him, he has no problem with it, but when it doesn’t favour him, he suddenly declares it self-defeating,” Rufai stated during the programme.
The journalist referenced the political events leading up to the 2011 presidential election, recalling how Atiku allegedly challenged former President Goodluck Jonathan over the PDP’s zoning formula.
According to Rufai, Atiku had previously relied on the zoning principle when it suited his political calculations, making his current criticism of the arrangement contradictory.
“Is it not the same Atiku that went to court against Jonathan in 2011 to ensure the PDP zoning formula?” he asked.
Rufai further noted that several legal disputes emerged at the time regarding the PDP’s rotational presidency arrangement, adding that although the courts reportedly declined jurisdiction in some instances, they still acknowledged the existence of the party’s zoning structure.
“There were many court cases. I think in one of the rulings, the courts said they can’t assume jurisdiction and give a decision, but they acknowledged the fact that PDP had the zoning arrangements,” he said.
The broadcaster also referenced Atiku’s political disagreements with former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the final years of the Obasanjo administration, questioning the consistency of the former vice president’s political positions over the years.
The comments have since generated reactions across social media, with Nigerians debating the relevance of zoning in the country’s political system ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political zoning, particularly between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria, has remained a sensitive issue in national politics, with supporters arguing that it promotes fairness, inclusion and national balance. Critics, however, believe competence and merit should take precedence over regional considerations.
As political parties begin preparations for the next election cycle, discussions surrounding zoning arrangements are expected to intensify, especially within major parties seeking to maintain internal unity and national appeal.