Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to resolve his internal political disputes especially with Vice President Kashim Shettima before involving himself in the affairs of opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku responded to President Tinubu’s comments made during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday. Atiku criticized Tinubu for focusing on securing a second term in 2027, rather than addressing the country’s mounting challenges.
“President Tinubu should first resolve the visible rift between himself and Vice President Kashim Shettima and fix Nigeria’s broken economy before meddling in the affairs of the ADC,” the statement read.
Atiku further accused the Tinubu administration of misusing public funds to create division within the political opposition in an attempt to destabilize alternative political movements.
“It is baffling that the presidency is spending scarce public funds to fuel internal divisions in an attempt to weaken alternative political voices,” he stated.
The former Vice President also alleged that the federal government was behind attempts to spark tension between supporters of himself and Labour Party’s Peter Obi within the political coalition opposed to the ruling party.
“We are fully aware that the supposed disagreements between supporters of Atiku and Peter Obi within the Coalition were deliberately stirred up by the presidency. Sadly for them, that divisive tactic has failed,” Atiku said.
He concluded by emphasizing that despite those efforts, the opposition coalition has reconciled and “is now stronger than ever.”
