In a heated exchange during an X Space discussion, Sheu Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, faced backlash for allegedly employing ethnic rhetoric while advocating for the Southeast region to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
The incident unfolded in an X Space titled “South East at the Crossroads Again: APC Strategy or ADC Sentiment? Pt1,” hosted by Mazi NnaEmeka, which attracted over 9,100 listeners. A video clip from the session, shared by X user TallJohn (@JohnFanimokun), captured the moment and has since garnered significant attention, with 138 likes, 83 reposts, and thousands of views.
In the clip, Sheu, speaking as a guest, urged Southeasterners to join the ADC, claiming it would ensure respect for the region. He pointed to recent demolitions of trade fair shops in Lagos, stating, “those trade fair shops that were destroyed in Lagos there are largely Igbo shops… these are things that would not happen under [ADC].”
He further argued that such actions were targeted at Igbos, emphasizing, “we can play politics but that narrative is no good… the shops they were destroyed right by the government… and this are targeted people.”
Host Mazi NnaEmeka swiftly countered, accusing Sheu of selective criticism. Mazi highlighted similar demolitions in Southeastern states, saying, “the same thing that you are complaining in Lagos has been done to other states… in fact some people’s houses were demolished because of road construction.”
Mazi referenced specific examples, including actions by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who allegedly “went to a market dominated by northerners [and] demolish and chased them away overnight no notice.” He also cited demolitions in Anambra for an airport project and in Enugu under former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Mazi directly addressed Sheu’s ties to Atiku, stating, “that is the reason why [ADC] would never allow to come close to power… and your father because the same thing that you are complaining in Lagos has been done to other states.”
The X post sharing the clip declared, “There is no sentimental or hateful propaganda that can defeat Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential victory. Reality defeated and disgraced Atiku’s son with factual missiles. Thank you, Mazi….”
Reactions to the post were mixed, with some users praising Mazi’s response. One commenter wrote, “By 2027, that reality they refuse to accept, will dawn right in front of them.” Another added, “a cow cannot definitely reason like human no matter the condition. Atiku son sorry ooo.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in Nigerian politics, particularly around ethnic alignments and urban development policies, as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections. Atiku Abubakar, a perennial presidential contender, has not publicly commented on the incident.