The Presidency and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have launched strong criticisms against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his recent television interview, describing it as underwhelming and lacking substance.
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the outing failed to project leadership or a credible alternative vision for Nigeria.
According to him, “What Nigerians witnessed was not leadership, not vision, and certainly not readiness for office.
“It was a disjointed, self-indulgent performance marked by contradictions, bluster, and a startling absence of substance on matters of national importance.
“At a time when the country is undergoing difficult but necessary economic reforms, Atiku offered nothing resembling a credible alternative.
“When pressed for policy direction, there was none. No framework, no roadmap—just the familiar refrain of opposition for its own sake. Strip away the rhetoric, and one thing becomes clear: the only discernible agenda is personal ambition.”
Dare further argued that Atiku’s critique of ongoing reforms lacked depth and failed to provide meaningful engagement with national issues.
“Criticism without substance is not leadership—it is evasion. And in a moment that demanded clarity and depth, what Nigerians got was vagueness and deflection.
“Even more telling was the posture. In one sweep, he managed to alienate nearly every constituency—young people, political allies, and even figures within his own broader political history.
“It was not a message of unity or coalition-building; it was a monologue of grievance. That is not leadership—it is isolation,” he said.
The presidential aide added that the interview reflected inconsistency and an outdated political approach, insisting that the country was already making progress under ongoing reforms.
“Meanwhile, the country is moving. The reforms are underway. The direction—while challenging—is clear. Nigerians are watching results take shape, not just promises recycled.
“For many Nigerians, that interview settled any lingering doubts. It was not just unconvincing—it was disqualifying.
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“Atiku Abubakar is not being denied relevance. He is losing it—publicly, steadily, and now unmistakably,” he stated.
Separately, Wike also weighed in, criticising Atiku during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects across parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
He dismissed the former vice president’s comments on national television, particularly claims that the current administration had failed to alleviate hardship.
“At a certain age, one should be able to look at facts objectively. He lives in the FCT; let him compare the FCT of today to the eight years when he was Vice President.
“We have been in office for less than three years, yet the transformation is clear. Nigerians would laugh at anyone suggesting nothing is being done,” Wike stated.
The minister went further to question Atiku’s credibility, referencing remarks previously made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“His own boss, President Obasanjo, publicly described him as a failure and questioned his character. Why should I bother replying to someone whose own principal attached the tag of corruption to him?” he said.
Adopting a sarcastic tone, Wike also cast doubt on Atiku’s prospects in the 2027 presidential race.
“I encourage him to run. It seems that is the only way he stays relevant. But 2027 is not available for him,” he added.
The FCT minister also addressed allegations by the African Democratic Congress that his administration attempted to frustrate its planned national convention by targeting a venue in Abuja. He dismissed the claims as unfounded, questioning the timeline presented by the party.
Wike also downplayed the strength of a proposed opposition coalition reportedly involving figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Nasir El-Rufai, insisting it would not pose a serious political threat.
“They say El-Rufai and Obi are there, so it is a strong opposition. Watch and see; the PDP will still be stronger than the ADC.
“In the last FCT elections, the ADC couldn’t even win a single councillorship. How do they intend to win the country?” he said.
He concluded by advising opposition parties to prioritise resolving their internal challenges rather than focusing on criticism of the government.