The Presidency has downplayed the significance of Atiku Abubakar’s recent emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, following his victory over Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. According to the reported results, Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, compared to 504,117 for Amaechi and 177,120 for Hayatu-Deen.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In response, the Presidency stated that Atiku’s candidacy does not present a credible challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027, emphasizing that the upcoming election will be decided by performance rather than opposition maneuvers.

Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, characterized the ADC alliance as a platform built on personal grievances and a desire for power rather than a shared vision for national governance. Ajayi dismissed Atiku’s candidacy as a predictable repetition of his long-standing presidential aspirations, noting that Atiku has been a consistent participant in presidential races since 1992.

Ajayi further asserted that the opposition coalition is inherently unstable, pointing to the earlier departures of prominent figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as proof of its fragility. He argued that the alliance is anchored in the personal frustrations of politicians who feel entitled to influence, rather than in a substantive ideological or developmental agenda.

Additionally, the presidential aide rejected any parallels between Atiku’s current bid and the 2015 success of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Ajayi maintained that the political environment that enabled Buhari’s victory—specifically the rare, unified consolidation of opposition interests—is currently missing. He contended that Atiku lacks the regional support base that aided Buhari and suggested that the current opposition is failing to present a cohesive alternative to the ruling party.

Regarding other opposition figures, Ajayi criticized Peter Obi’s political history, arguing that Obi lacks the capacity to succeed in competitive party primaries and has historically relied on being granted nominations rather than earning them through internal contests.