The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of prioritizing efforts to undermine President Bola Tinubu over addressing the challenges within his own party.
Onanuga’s remarks, made in a statement on Sunday, suggest that Atiku’s criticism stems from envy over Tinubu’s position, which the former Vice President has unsuccessfully sought six times.
Onanuga questioned Atiku’s decision to promote proposals that were rejected by Nigerians during the 2023 presidential election, arguing that the former Vice President’s ideas lacked credibility when compared to the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu.
He criticized Atiku’s economic analysis, claiming it demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of Nigeria’s economic realities and was disconnected from the multi-dimensional reforms Tinubu is spearheading.
Onanuga further criticized Atiku’s suggestion of a consultation period upon assuming office, stating that the Nigerian economy requires immediate action rather than delayed decision-making.
He argued that a leader must be prepared to address pressing challenges from the outset, something President Tinubu has demonstrated since taking office.
The Special Adviser also addressed Atiku’s claim that President Tinubu “stole” his presidency, describing it as an expression of entitlement and a sign of his detachment from the electorate.
Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu legitimately won the presidency, pointing to Atiku’s past arrogance, insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity, and disregard for the party’s power rotation agreement between the North and South after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Onanuga also dismissed Atiku’s economic proposal for a phased-out subsidy removal, labeling it an outdated approach that has caused fiscal challenges in other countries like Indonesia.
He reminded that Nigeria has been gradually phasing out subsidies since 1978, with multiple adjustments made over the years. Instead of focusing on unrealistic timelines, Onanuga suggested that Atiku should recognize the necessity of Tinubu’s bold reform agenda.
He further stated that Atiku’s economic proposals offered no viable alternative to the decisive reforms led by President Tinubu. He urged the former Vice President to reassess his political approach and focus on constructive discourse, noting that the rejection of his proposals in the 2023 election showed that Nigerians are unlikely to support his future ambitions.
Onanuga reaffirmed that President Tinubu remains committed to guiding Nigeria towards a prosperous future and addressing the nation’s real challenges, advising Atiku to abandon his politics of distraction and focus on meaningful contributions.
“It is perplexing that he would elevate his untested, hypothetical proposal, which Nigerians soundly rejected during the 2023 Presidential Election, and seek to present it as a superior alternative to the multi-faceted reform programmes implemented by the Tinubu administration.”
He said Atiku’s economic analysis demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of Nigeria’s realities. His narrative, “What We Would Have Done Differently,” indicates an inability to engage with the pressing economic realities being revitalised multidimensionally under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“What reforms would Atiku propose at the onset of his hypothetical and fabled presidency? While he suggests a consultation period upon assuming office, the reality is that the Nigerian economy requires immediate and decisive action. A leader must be prepared to tackle challenges from Day One, as President Tinubu has done.
“The truth is that Tinubu rightfully won the presidency, a position Atiku was simply unqualified for due to his arrogance, insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity, and the decision to disregard his party’s power rotation arrangement between the North and the South after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In conclusion, Atiku’s economic proposals fail to present a viable alternative to Tinubu’s decisive reforms. We encourage him to reassess his approach and repair his reputation as a statesman. The rejection of his proposals in the 2023 election indicates that Nigerians will be reluctant to entertain his future political ambitions.”
