Presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar has made a direct appeal to Yoruba voters, seeking to allay fears that his potential election could lead to Hausa/Fulani domination by highlighting his decades-long family ties to the ethnic group.
In a strategic move ahead of the 2027 elections, the former Vice President described the Yoruba community as his “extended family and in-laws” through his marriage to his first wife, Titi, a Yoruba woman he wedded in the 1970s.
“The fear that my ascension to presidency might lead to Hausa/Fulani domination over Yorubas or other ethnic groups does not only arise, but also is absolutely unfounded because the entire Yoruba stock is my larger extended family and in-laws,” Atiku stated through his media consultant, Kola Johnson.
He emphasized his personal connection to the region, noting that his children with Titi sometimes call him ‘Baba Rere’ (good father) and that they remain together despite her being over 75 years old.
Atiku positioned himself as inherently detribalized, claiming he had built cross-cultural relationships “even before I could ever venture into politics.”
He promised that Yoruba interests would “always occupy a topmost place in my policymaking and governance” if elected.
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