Tinubu’s bloated campaign council shows fear of defeat – Atiku

…Says Nigerians won’t renew president’s mandate of hardship

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described President Bola Tinubu’s expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council as a desperate attempt to avert electoral defeat in 2027, insisting that the size of the ruling party’s political machinery cannot shield the president from Nigerians’ anger over his administration’s performance.

Atiku in a statement on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, accused Tinubu of prioritising political alliances over addressing economic hardship, insecurity and rising poverty.

The former vice-president spoke amid controversy over the inclusion of opposition figures in the APC campaign council ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

BusinessDay reports that the APC Presidential Campaign Council includes opposition figures such as Charles Soludo, Anambra State governor and member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Ademola Adeleke, Osun State governor and member of the Accord party; and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said, “Only a man afraid of his record would think he could bury it under hundreds of names.” He insisted that the growing list of political heavyweights could not erase Nigerians’ suffering.

He also condemned the inauguration of the council at the Presidential Villa, describing it as an abuse of public office and a breach of public trust.

“The Presidential Villa belongs to the Nigerian people. It is not a campaign venue or the private property of any political party,” he said.

Atiku argued that the administration’s economic record, rather than the size of its campaign machinery, would determine its electoral fortunes.

“Tinubu can surround himself with every political heavyweight in Nigeria; on election day, he will still face the people who lived through his failures,” he added.

He said the ADC’s campaign would promote its alternative agenda as Nigerians prepare to decide whether Tinubu deserves another term.