A pro-Tinubu group, the Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria (RHGN), has cautioned former Vice-President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar against involving foreign institutions in Nigeria’s political affairs ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
RHGN Deputy National Leader (South-East), Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, made the call in Jos, Plateau State, after the group flagged off its campaign activities for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
Ngoforo accused Atiku of seeking to use foreign institutions, including American schools, lobbying interests and the United States judiciary, to pursue political issues involving Tinubu.
He argued that Nigeria has its own Constitution, electoral laws, courts and institutions capable of determining questions surrounding candidates’ eligibility and qualifications.
According to him, issues concerning certificates submitted to Nigerian authorities and eligibility for Nigerian elections should primarily be handled within Nigeria’s legal framework.
Ngoforo also questioned the relevance of allegations concerning events allegedly investigated in the United States several decades ago to Nigeria’s 2027 election, arguing that allegations involving drugs or financial matters in another country do not automatically constitute Nigerian electoral offences or grounds for disqualification.
“If there is a question about a Nigerian election, take it to the Nigerian courts and allow Nigerian law to determine it.”
He urged Nigerians to reject what he described as Atiku’s “politics of external interference”, insisting that the Nigerian electorate, rather than foreign institutions, would ultimately decide who governs the country.
Ngoforo said the 2027 election should allow Nigerians to protect the sovereignty of their democratic process.
“The Nigerian President will not be elected in an American school, lobbying office or courtroom. He will be elected by Nigerians, on Nigerian soil, through the Nigerian ballot.”
He cited Romania’s 2024 presidential election as an example of the seriousness with which countries treat alleged foreign interference. He said the election was annulled amid allegations of Russian interference benefiting Călin Georgescu, who was subsequently barred from the rerun and subjected to a criminal investigation.
Ngoforo said the Nigerian presidency should not be outsourced to Washington and argued that political candidates should focus on convincing Nigerian voters with credible programmes rather than seeking assistance from foreign institutions.
He urged Atiku to present his case directly to Nigerians if he believes they no longer want Tinubu, or pursue any legal challenge concerning Tinubu’s eligibility through Nigerian law.
RHGN also called on its members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election, urging voters to assess the administration based on its record and development agenda.
Source: Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria (RHGN).
