Atiku’s aide faults Tinubu for commissioning Abuja-Kaduna highway from stadium

Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commissioning of the Abuja-Kaduna highway from Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna.

In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Ibe said Tinubu commissioned a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway on Saturday from Ranchers Bees Stadium, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its presidential campaign flag-off.

“Yesterday, President @officialABAT commissioned a section of the Abuja–Kaduna highway from Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna, where the APC held its presidential campaign flag-off. It is no longer news that the shambolic flag-off was rejected by the people. Tinubu was confronted with shouts of ‘Ba ma yi’ in Hausa, which translates to ‘We reject it,'” he wrote.

Ibe questioned the rationale for commissioning the highway from a campaign venue instead of visiting the completed section.

“Mr President, when did Ranchers Bees Stadium become part of the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway corridor? Why commission the highway from a campaign venue instead of visiting the completed section, inspecting the work and engaging with the Nigerians who use it?” he asked.

He said the choice raised questions about the President’s stamina and fitness for the demanding responsibilities of office, as well as concerns about his state of health.

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“This choice also raises questions about the President’s stamina and fitness for the demanding responsibilities of office. It also raises concerns about his state of health. Considering that the demanding work of governance is not for the invalid, Nigerians are entitled to seek credible reassurance about the health and capacity of Tinubu to lead them for another four years,” Ibe stated.

He said the Presidency should explain if there were security, logistical or other reasons for the arrangement.

“If there were security, logistical or other reasons for the arrangement, the Presidency should explain them. Citizens deserve answers, not insults for asking legitimate questions,” he said.

Ibe also described the blending of government business with party campaigning as troubling.

“There is also the troubling fusion of government business with party campaigning. A publicly funded highway belongs to all Nigerians. Its commissioning should not become a campaign accessory for Tinubu’s re-election. Nigerians deserve a President who can meet the demands of office and a government willing to account for its performance. A stadium can accommodate the ceremony. Only the highway can demonstrate the delivery,” he added.