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Tag: Atiku Abubakar

  • “Struggle Not Over” — Atiku Reacts to Supreme Court ADC Leadership Ruling

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition’s fight is far from over despite the Supreme Court ruling affirming the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Atiku warns against complacency

    Reacting in a statement shared on social media, Atiku described the judgment as a major step but cautioned supporters not to see it as final victory.

    “Even as we welcome the Supreme Court’s firm affirmation of David Mark and the leadership of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, let no one be lulled into complacency,” he said.

    Calls for continued political struggle

    The former vice-president stressed that more effort is required in what he described as a broader mission to “rescue” the country.

    “The road ahead remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country,” he added.

    Dedicates outcome to Nigerians

    Atiku dedicated the outcome of the legal battle to Nigerians, whom he described as resilient in the face of ongoing political and economic challenges.

    “This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future,” he said.

    Urges vigilance and unity

    He further called for sustained public engagement, noting that democratic progress must be protected.

    “As we press on, let this truth guide us: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” Atiku stated.

    His remarks come amid ongoing political developments following the Supreme Court ruling, which resolved the ADC leadership dispute and restored clarity within the party ahead of future elections.

  • Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Remarks, Says ‘Leadership Must Earn Trust’

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent remarks on insecurity, warning that leadership must reflect responsibility as violence persists across Nigeria.

    Atiku reacts to Tinubu’s stance

    Atiku, in a statement issued by his aide Phrank Shaibu, described Tinubu’s comments as troubling and disconnected from realities on ground.

    “It is not political opponents who will judge this administration, it is the blood of innocent Nigerians being shed daily across our land,” he said.

    He added that leadership should be defined by compassion and decisive action, not defiance.

    Rising death toll sparks concern

    The former Vice President claimed that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed since May 2023, with some estimates placing the figure above 18,000 within two years.

    According to him, the statistics represent devastated communities and families rather than mere numbers.

    He warned that dismissing such losses as political rhetoric undermines the gravity of the crisis.

    Criticism over government response

    Atiku faulted the President for allegedly downplaying the suffering of victims’ families, stating that such remarks trivialise national grief.

    “It is horrifying that the memories of innocent citizens would be reduced to political rhetoric,” he said.

    He also referenced recent attacks, including the reported church invasion in Ekiti State, saying such incidents require urgent and visible leadership response.

    Call for urgent action

    While acknowledging Tinubu’s right to seek re-election, Atiku said declining public confidence stems from the administration’s handling of security and economic challenges.

    He urged the Federal Government to recalibrate its security strategy and prioritise protection of citizens.

    “At a time like this, Nigerians do not need bravado; they need protection,” he stated.

  • APC Trolls Atiku Over “Sleeping” Photo at Opposition Summit

    The National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, mocked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a photo that appeared to show him asleep during the opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Basiru shared the image on Facebook on Sunday, captioning it: “And the opposition leader slept at the all-important opposition summit…..” The photo, from a live Arise News broadcast, showed Atiku seated beside PDP factional chairman Kabiru Turaki.

    Opposition Summit Aims for Unity

    The Ibadan gathering on Saturday brought together opposition leaders working to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. Attendees included Atiku, Labour Party 2023 candidate Peter Obi, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

    The summit also saw opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), demand amendments to the Electoral Act 2026 and raised concerns over alleged bias by INEC leadership.

    Social Media Reacts

    The post drew swift online responses. Some users criticized Atiku, while others made light of the moment. Ojewande Taiwo wrote, “This is the man that wants to rescue Nigeria! It’s better he rescues himself.” Tunde Obasemola added, “So shall the election be lost and won while in slumber.”

    Others defended or joked about him. Deji Omo Akinsola-Fakanlu said he was “just communing with the gods — he was not sleeping,” while Johnson Erayanmen added, “Please have some sleep, sleepless nights na water.”

    Atiku Strikes a Unifying Tone

    Despite the image, Atiku used the summit to emphasize unity among opposition parties. In a Facebook post, he said leaders had “spoken with one voice” and urged the formation of a united opposition to defend Nigeria’s democracy, thanking Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the event.

     

  • Gov Yusuf Nominates Atiku’s Son-in-Law Garo as Kano Deputy Governor

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has forwarded the name of Murtala Sule Garo to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as deputy governor, weeks after the position became vacant.

    The nomination, which was formally transmitted to lawmakers, places Garo, who is reportedly the son-in-law of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in line to take over the role pending legislative approval.

    How the vacancy emerged

    The deputy governorship seat became vacant on March 27, 2026, following the resignation of Aminu Gwarzo, who later defected after falling out with Governor Yusuf in a deepening political rift.

    Before his exit, the Kano State House of Assembly had already initiated impeachment proceedings against Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust and financial mismanagement.

    Governor Yusuf had also accused the former deputy governor of attempting to undermine his administration, escalating tensions that eventually led to his resignation.

    Details of the nomination

    In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the nomination was said to be in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers a governor to appoint a replacement when the office becomes vacant.

    The statement noted that the decision followed consultations with key political stakeholders across the state, with the governor seeking swift approval from the Assembly to fill the gap in his administration.

    Muhammad described Garo as a “seasoned political administrator” with extensive experience spanning over two decades in both elective and appointed positions.

    Garo’s political profile

    The 48-year-old politician has held several roles, including State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.

    He also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.

    According to the statement, his nomination is part of efforts by the Yusuf administration to strengthen governance structures and ensure continuity in service delivery across the state.

  • Atiku Fires Back at Tinubu, Accuses President of ‘Hypocrisy and Historical Amnesia’ Over Privatisation Clash

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a sharp rebuttal against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of hypocrisy, distortion of history, and political desperation following a heated exchange over Nigeria’s privatisation programme.

    Tinubu’s initial remarks trigger controversy

    The confrontation began after President Tinubu, during a meeting with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, accused Atiku of attempting to “privatise” the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and questioned the outcomes of past privatisation efforts overseen by the former vice-president.

    Tinubu argued that several assets sold under the programme, including steel projects and Ajaokuta Steel Company, had failed to deliver expected results.

    “The head [Atiku] was the chairman of the privatisation council of Nigeria… is it working today? No,” Tinubu said.

    Atiku responds through aide

    In a strongly worded statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed the president’s comments as a “reckless tirade” and accused him of rewriting established economic history.

    The statement described Tinubu’s remarks as “a troubling pattern of hypocrisy and historical amnesia,” insisting that the privatisation programme under Atiku produced long-standing private sector success stories.

    It listed companies such as Oando, Conoil, Ardova Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Benue Cement Company, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja as examples of successful reforms.

    Defence of privatisation legacy

    Atiku’s camp maintained that the former vice-president played a key role in driving reforms that revived struggling state enterprises and strengthened private sector participation in the economy.

    It also argued that Tinubu had previously opposed some of the reforms he now appears to support in office, particularly in the oil sector.

    According to the statement, current economic policies are being implemented “without transparency and accountability.”

    Personal jabs escalate tension

    The response took a more personal tone, accusing the president of ignorance and questioning his academic history, while also referencing past controversies around his educational background.

    “If he were properly educated he would have acquainted himself with the privatisation records,” the statement said.

    It further described Tinubu’s comments as reflective of “a leadership more comfortable with insults than facts.”

    Economic hardship enters the debate

    Atiku’s camp also linked the exchange to Nigeria’s current economic situation, pointing to rising inflation, job losses, and worsening cost of living across the country.

    It argued that what is being described as reform has instead translated into hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

    Political tension deepens ahead of future contests

    The latest exchange highlights growing political friction between both camps as debates around Nigeria’s economic direction and past reform policies continue to intensify.

  • Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Calls Opposition Coalition a “Gang-Up of Failures” Ahead of 2027 Poll

    President Bola Tinubu has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the opposition coalition seeking to unseat him in the 2027 general election as a “coalition of failures,” during a political engagement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    What happened

    Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, while addressing the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

    The president accused opposition figures, including Atiku, of ganging up against his administration, while questioning their past records in governance and economic reforms.

    He specifically referenced Atiku’s role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme, suggesting it contributed to failed national assets.

    Tinubu’s criticism of Atiku

    In his speech, Tinubu mocked the opposition’s track record, pointing to stalled projects such as Ajaokuta Steel Company and other privatised assets.

    “The head was the chairman of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria… they privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today? No,” he said.

    He added that Nigerians should judge political actors based on results rather than promises, insisting his administration is focused on correcting past failures.

    Defence of his administration

    The president maintained that he inherited a struggling economy but chose to confront the challenges head-on.

    “I didn’t have to look back because the truth is, I took over from myself,” Tinubu said, referencing his role in the transition from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He assured supporters that ongoing reforms would eventually deliver visible results in infrastructure, education, and the economy.

    Message to supporters

    Tinubu also praised members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, describing them as part of a national movement committed to economic recovery and social renewal.

    He urged them to remain committed to his administration’s agenda, promising not to abandon them midway.

    “You are in good company… all I can promise is that I won’t give up,” he said.

    What it means

    The comments reflect rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with early campaigns and rivalries beginning to shape public discourse around governance and opposition unity.