Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its handling of recent comments made by a presidential spokesperson regarding the United States’ new tariff policy. Atiku’s comments, delivered through his media office, urge the current administration to focus on national unity and to avoid making reckless statements about other countries or the patriotism of Nigerians.
Atiku’s criticism came after a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) by Sunday Dare, a spokesperson for President Tinubu. One of the posts made by Dare on Saturday, February 2nd, discussed the tariff policy implemented by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Dare suggested that countries, including Nigeria, should tighten their belts in response to the U.S. “America First” approach to international trade.
The second post, which came later that evening, focused on discrediting the actions of political leaders who have worked toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. Dare’s comments sparked an immediate reaction from Atiku, who called for a more measured and responsible approach from the government.
In a statement released by Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku emphasized the need for the Tinubu administration to “practice what it preaches” by adopting a “Nigeria First” policy. He urged the government to replace self-entitled and divisive sentiments with a focus on the nation’s well-being.
“We urge the Tinubu administration to practice what it preaches by embracing the Nigeria First ideals in replacement to the self-entitled and other primordial sentiments it panders,” said Atiku’s statement.
The former vice president was also critical of the tone used by the Tinubu administration’s spokesperson, particularly regarding the criticism of political leaders striving for progress in Nigeria. He stated that Dare’s posts were attempts to “impugn the credibility of political leaders who seek a better direction for Nigeria.”
Atiku pointed out that such remarks suggested the Tinubu government plans to approach the 2025 election as “a combat and a fight” rather than as a democratic process. He described this approach as part of a broader “snatch and grab” strategy aimed at undermining democratic principles.
“The Tinubu administration’s rhetoric is a disservice to the hard-won democracy in Nigeria,” Atiku added, urging the government to take a more constructive and respectful stance toward opposition political leaders and democratic ideals.
Additionally, Atiku found it troubling that the Tinubu administration would criticize opposition leaders while at the same time promoting divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. He expressed concern that such remarks could damage Nigeria’s reputation and relations with other countries, particularly the United States, with which Nigeria has important trade and diplomatic ties.
Atiku also took issue with the government’s approach to patriotism, arguing that mocking the people of Nigeria on matters of national pride contradicted the administration’s supposed commitment to the country’s welfare. He reminded the government that it must lead by example and avoid inflaming ethnic, religious, and social divisions within the country.
“We urge the Tinubu administration to unite and heal the nation,” Atiku urged. “Instead of creating division and making careless remarks about other countries or the patriotism of the Nigerian people, it should focus on the unifying force of our shared values.”
The former vice president’s statement also referenced the increasing class, ethnic, and religious divisions that have emerged during Tinubu’s tenure. Atiku argued that under this government, Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented levels of division, with certain citizens placed in “Band A” and others in “Band C,” based on their access to basic social infrastructure.
As the 2025 elections approach, Atiku called on the government to refocus its energy on national healing, unity, and the development of democratic principles. He condemned the notion that democracy in Nigeria was to be viewed as a “combat” or a “fight,” stressing the importance of democratic dialogue and respect for all Nigerians.
“We ask that the government move away from this combative approach and focus on building a stronger, more inclusive democracy for all Nigerians,” Atiku concluded.
