The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed attempts by Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, to undermine his political journey. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed that he neither seeks nor requires validation from political opportunists, who he accused of easily shedding principles in favor of personal ambitions.
The comments from Atiku came in response to remarks made by Bwala during a Monday appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, where Bwala suggested that Atiku should accept the outcome of the 2023 presidential election and stop challenging “destiny.” He also mentioned that the coalition formed by Atiku was “dead on arrival,” a sentiment that Atiku sharply rebuffed.
Atiku, in his statement, described Bwala’s remarks as ironic, given that the presidential aide had previously served as Atiku’s spokesperson. The statement read in part: “It is both ironic and unfortunate that Mr. Bwala, who once held a position under my leadership, now assumes the role of lecturing me on issues of legacy, destiny, and retirement.”
Atiku also criticized Bwala’s comments as “sanctimonious pontificating” aimed at currying favor with an administration he described as “floundering.” The former Vice President further implied that Bwala’s current political relevance, if any, was directly tied to his previous association with Atiku and the PDP.
The statement emphasized that Atiku would not be distracted by political attacks from “desperate presidential aides,” emphasizing the larger picture: the task of rebuilding Nigeria and addressing the nation’s economic and democratic challenges. Atiku stated: “Let it be clearly stated: Atiku Abubakar neither seeks nor requires validation from political opportunists.”
He went on to reflect on the broader political landscape, questioning the obsession by the Tinubu administration with his political future. “If, as they claim, Atiku is a spent force, why the relentless smear campaign?” he asked. Atiku pointed to the strategic use of presidential platforms to attack him, arguing that it was because he remained a significant figure in Nigerian politics.
Atiku reiterated his commitment to a national coalition aimed at addressing the country’s economic collapse, institutional failures, and the erosion of democratic values. “Legacy is not defined by the trappings of office but by courage, consistency, and conviction,” Atiku stated, asserting that his legacy as a “unifier, builder, and patriot” would withstand any political attacks.
Concluding his statement, Atiku reaffirmed his determination to remain focused on his mission, saying, “The rescue and rebuilding of Nigeria is a task of urgent national importance — far too important to be derailed by the petty ego trips of desperate presidential aides.”
Atiku’s strong rebuttal underscores the growing political tension and his ongoing efforts to play a pivotal role in the nation’s future, irrespective of the attempts by some members of the ruling party to undermine his efforts.
