Ex-Aide Says Atiku’s 2027 Ambition Lacks Vision, Leadership

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential aspirations as “dead on arrival.” This statement follows a recent television interview in which Atiku declared that this would be his final attempt at the presidency. In a pointed message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dare criticized Atiku’s performance during the interview, describing it as disjointed, self-indulgent, and lacking in substance.

Dare accused the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate of failing to provide a credible alternative to the current administration’s economic reforms. He noted that Atiku did not present a clear policy direction, stating, “At a time when the country is undergoing difficult but necessary economic reforms, Atiku offered nothing resembling a credible alternative.” He further emphasized that when pressed for policy direction, Atiku had none to offer—no framework, no roadmap—just the familiar refrain of opposition for its own sake.

Additionally, Dare suggested that Atiku’s remarks alienated key constituencies, including young people and political allies. He characterized the interview as a monologue of grievance rather than a message of unity or coalition-building. According to Dare, this performance revealed fatigue, inconsistency, and a campaign focused on looking backward instead of leading forward.

This statement comes as President Tinubu’s administration continues to implement economic reforms that have elicited mixed reactions from the public. Dare emphasized that while these reforms are challenging, the direction is clear and results are beginning to emerge. “For many Nigerians, that interview settled any lingering doubts,” he concluded. “It was not just unconvincing—it was disqualifying. Atiku Abubakar is not being denied relevance. He is losing it publicly, steadily, and now unmistakably.” Atiku, who has contested the presidency multiple times, has yet to respond to Dare’s remarks. Political analysts note that this exchange underscores the intensifying political climate as the 2027 election cycle approaches.