The political landscape in Nigeria has witnessed a renewed wave of tension following criticisms leveled against President Bola Tinubu’s administration by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The core of the contention stems from comments made by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, who dismissed a gathering of opposition figures and dissenting members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a politically motivated maneuver driven by “Machiavellian motives.” Dare further emphasized that President Tinubu remained unfazed by the meeting, characterizing future political contests as a “combat” and a “fight” leading up to the 2027 elections. This combative rhetoric has drawn sharp rebukes from Atiku, who has called on the Tinubu administration to prioritize national unity and refrain from divisive pronouncements.
Atiku, through his media advisor, Paul Ibe, issued a statement urging the government to embrace a “Nigeria First” philosophy, prioritizing national interests over self-serving political agendas. He condemned the administration’s perceived tendency towards divisive rhetoric and actions, citing the alleged categorization of Nigerians into different classes with varying levels of access to social infrastructure. This, according to Atiku, is unprecedented in Nigeria’s history and contributes to the deepening of existing societal divisions. He stressed the need for the Tinubu administration to focus on healing the nation and fostering unity rather than resorting to inflammatory language that could further polarize the political climate.
A central point of contention in Atiku’s critique is the perceived hypocrisy of the Tinubu administration’s stance on patriotism. He argues that a government that came to power on the premise of a self-proclaimed right to rule lacks the moral standing to question the patriotism of others. Atiku emphasized that the gathering of opposition leaders was not a subversive plot but rather a legitimate exercise of democratic rights aimed at strengthening democracy and ensuring credible elections. He expressed concern over the administration’s characterization of this gathering as “Machiavellian,” arguing that such rhetoric undermines democratic principles and fundamental human rights.
Furthermore, Atiku criticized Dare’s comments regarding former US President Donald Trump’s “America First” trade policy, expressing concern over the potential negative impact on Nigeria’s relations with the United States and other international trade partners. He viewed Dare’s interpretation of the policy as indicative of a combative approach to international relations, which could be detrimental to Nigeria’s interests. Atiku cautioned against such an approach, advocating for diplomatic engagement and cooperation with international partners.
Atiku’s criticism underscores a broader concern about the direction of the Tinubu administration. He perceives a trend towards divisive politics, characterized by inflammatory rhetoric and a disregard for democratic norms. The former Vice President’s call for a “Nigeria First” approach represents a plea for a more inclusive and unifying political discourse, one that prioritizes national interests over partisan agendas. He argues that the administration’s focus should be on addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation, such as economic hardship and insecurity, rather than engaging in political posturing.
The exchange between Atiku and the Tinubu administration highlights the deep political divisions within Nigeria. While the administration portrays the opposition’s actions as politically motivated and disruptive, Atiku frames them as legitimate exercises of democratic rights aimed at strengthening good governance. This clash of narratives underscores the need for a more constructive and inclusive political dialogue that prioritizes the interests of the Nigerian people. The future of Nigerian democracy may hinge on the ability of political leaders to bridge these divides and work together towards a shared vision for the nation.
