Fresh Political War: Presidency Declares Atiku Headed For “Self-Destruction

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has launched a fresh attack on African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, describing the former vice president as a politician whose ambition has overtaken his judgment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dare criticised Atiku over reports that he engaged a United States lobbying firm for about $1.2 million as part of his political strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the presidential aide, the move amounted to taking Nigeria’s internal political disputes abroad and reflected a lack of confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

Dare argued that seeking foreign support to challenge a sitting Nigerian president undermines the nation’s sovereignty and diminishes the contributions of local journalists, academics, policy experts, and public intellectuals who have long participated in shaping Nigeria’s democratic process.

He maintained that Atiku’s recent political actions portray a leader driven more by personal ambition than sound judgment.

“The Atiku Abubakar of today presents a pitiable picture—a politician whose ambition has eclipsed reason and whose political instincts now appear programmed for self-destruction,” the statement said.

Dare added that Nigerians should not be drawn into what he described as Atiku’s political trajectory.

“He cannot drag Nigeria down that path. If that is the road he has chosen, he must walk it alone,” he stated.

The presidential spokesman also insisted that the former vice president owes Nigerians a clear account of his own political record before seeking another opportunity to lead the country.

According to Dare, Atiku should address questions surrounding his democratic credentials instead of directing his political efforts overseas.

“Nigerians deserve to examine Atiku Abubakar’s report card. Charity begins at home, not in Washington,” he said.

He further argued that Nigerians should determine whether Atiku has consistently upheld the democratic values he publicly advocates, claiming that the former vice president’s political career reflects conflicting positions over the years.

Dare concluded by saying it was time for Nigerians to critically evaluate Atiku’s political legacy and leadership ambitions.