Tinubu’s Age Controversy: Presidency Challenges Atiku To Produce Evidence

The Presidency has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old, challenging the former vice president to present evidence to a court.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, described Atiku’s allegation as an indication of desperation in his renewed bid to become Nigeria’s president.

Bush Radio Academy reports that Ajayi made the remarks while reacting to comments reportedly made by Atiku during a BBC interview, in which the ADC presidential candidate claimed to possess evidence showing that President Tinubu is 90 years old.

According to Ajayi, Atiku’s continued focus on Tinubu’s personal affairs was at odds with his earlier position that his campaign would centre on issues affecting Nigerians.

He questioned why the former vice president had shifted attention from national issues to the President’s personal life while seeking the support of Nigerians in the 2027 presidential election.

Ajayi dismissed the age allegation as unfounded, accusing Atiku of making claims he believes could generate publicity and attract attention to his campaign.

The presidential aide further alleged that Atiku had resorted to personal attacks against Tinubu after struggling to convince Nigerians about his position on fuel subsidy and other policy matters.

He also accused the ADC candidate of inconsistency on policy issues, particularly regarding his recent position on the possibility of restoring fuel subsidies.

According to Ajayi, Atiku’s inability to effectively sell his policy proposals had prompted him to increase personal criticism of the President in an attempt to remain prominent in the news cycle.

The presidential aide challenged Atiku to take his allegation before the courts and provide whatever evidence he claims to possess regarding Tinubu’s age.

Ajayi further recalled Atiku’s previous legal challenges involving Tinubu during the last election cycle, arguing that the former vice president had been unsuccessful in his cases in both Nigeria and the United States.

He maintained that the Presidency was confident Atiku would suffer another legal setback if he pursued the latest allegation through the courts.

The exchange adds another dimension to the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with both camps increasingly trading accusations and counter-accusations as political activities intensify.