Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that the Presidency is gripped by fear over efforts to form a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s remarks come in response to comments made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, who urged the former vice president to drop his presidential ambitions.
Bwala argued that Atiku lacked a divine mandate and had lost significant political support.
“If I could meet him face to face, I’d say: believe in destiny. It may not be God’s will for you to govern Nigeria,” Bwala said during a television interview.
He also claimed that Atiku had already lost “60 to 70 per cent” of his political allies.
Reacting swiftly, Atiku’s media office described Bwala’s statements as “disparaging,” accusing him of being hypocritical and opportunistic.
“It is ironic that Bwala, a political turncoat who once served as Atiku’s spokesperson, now lectures a statesman on legacy and destiny,” the office stated.
The statement further alleged that Bwala’s comments reveal growing concern within President Tinubu’s camp over the emerging coalition being led by Atiku and other progressive leaders.
“The office said Bwala’s remarks reflect desperation within the Tinubu camp, which it claimed is ‘rattled by the unstoppable momentum’ of the opposition coalition being championed by Atiku and other progressive leaders.”
It also questioned the Tinubu administration’s focus on attacking the former vice president:
“If Atiku is a spent force, why the smear campaign? Why dedicate presidential platforms to attack him?” the statement asked.
According to the media team, Atiku remains Nigeria’s most formidable opposition leader, committed to “rescuing the country from economic collapse and democratic erosion,” and will not be swayed by “political jesters masquerading as patriots.”
