The Tinubu administration has publicly questioned the qualifications of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to lead Nigeria, citing what it describes as his arrogance, lack of viable economic solutions, and a track record of electoral defeats. In a statement released on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, argued that Atiku’s ideas for Nigeria’s economic future lack originality and fail to address the country’s most urgent challenges.
The Presidency’s statement criticized Atiku’s ongoing attempts to discredit President Tinubu’s administration, describing his proposals as “illusions and fantasies” that lack practical impact. Onanuga highlighted that Atiku, who has run for the presidency six times without success, appears more focused on undermining Tinubu than on offering constructive alternatives or addressing issues within his own party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). According to the statement, Atiku’s economic proposals were resoundingly rejected in the 2023 presidential election, and attempts to “repackage” them will not resonate with Nigerians, who expect immediate and effective solutions.
“Since his defeat, Atiku seems fixated on disparaging President Tinubu rather than dealing with the disunity within his own party,” the statement read. It also suggested that Atiku’s envy of Tinubu’s success might be a factor in his recent critiques. “He elevates untested ideas, already dismissed by voters, as if they could replace the comprehensive reform programs initiated by the Tinubu administration.”
The Presidency further criticized Atiku’s economic insights, stating that his analysis reveals a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s current situation. Referring to Atiku’s recent narrative, “What We Would Have Done Differently,” the statement argued that Atiku’s approach reflects a disconnect from the pressing issues Nigeria faces, which the Tinubu administration claims to be tackling head-on through decisive action.
The statement posed a hypothetical question: “What reforms would Atiku actually implement from the outset, in his imagined presidency?” It underscored that, unlike Atiku’s vague suggestion of a “consultation period,” Nigeria requires leaders who are prepared to address urgent economic challenges from day one, a commitment that Tinubu has reportedly demonstrated.
Onanuga’s statement went on to suggest that Atiku’s accusation that President Tinubu “stole his presidency” reflects a sense of entitlement and a disconnection from the electorate. “President Tinubu’s victory in the election was legitimate,” the statement emphasized, “while Atiku’s repeated candidacy and recent behavior demonstrate arrogance and an insensitivity to Nigeria’s cultural and political diversity.”
The statement also referenced Atiku’s lack of respect for the PDP’s rotational power-sharing arrangement between northern and southern leaders. Following eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, the rotation policy would have supported a southern candidate, and Atiku’s decision to run disregarded this understanding, according to the Tinubu administration.
Onanuga continued, “Atiku’s approach of considering a consultation period highlights his lack of awareness of the urgent need for action. When President Tinubu assumed office, his administration brought a robust action plan to address long-standing issues inherited from the past, including those persisting since Atiku’s tenure as vice president.”
Summing up, Onanuga dismissed Atiku’s economic ideas as impractical and reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to its reform agenda. “We encourage Atiku to reassess his political approach and consider restoring his image as a statesman. The outcome of the 2023 election shows that Nigerians may be hesitant to entertain his future ambitions.”
He concluded, “President Tinubu remains focused on guiding Nigeria toward prosperity and tackling the country’s real issues. We urge Atiku Abubakar to abandon his politics of fantasy and engage in constructive dialogue.”
