Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Bayo Onunuga, The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy has reacted to Atiku Abubakar’s World Press Conference.
He said that in the wake of a landmark Supreme Court decision on his election petition appeal, former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, took the spotlight at a press conference in Abuja.
Atiku’s delayed response and his subsequent actions have ignited controversy and raised questions about the state of Nigerian democracy.
He argued that Atiku’s prolonged silence, which lasted over 96 hours after the Supreme Court verdict, had the nation waiting in anticipation for his reaction. However, his response took a combative tone rather than a statesmanlike one, leaving many surprised and concerned.
Bayo asserted that rather than accepting the highest court’s verdict with equanimity, Atiku launched a scathing attack on key institutions of state, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, accusing them of failing to bend the law to his advantage.
His rhetoric was confrontational, and he sought to manipulate public opinion, which has fueled a broader debate about the health of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
One striking contradiction that the presidential aide pointed out in Atiku’s narrative is his assertion that he played a role in ending military rule in Nigeria. Historical records indicate that he had connections to the junta that held democracy hostage and imprisoned his mentor, Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. Atiku’s political history reveals opportunism, and this calls into question his commitment to higher ideals.
Perhaps most concerning to Mr Bayo was Atiku’s pessimistic view of Nigeria’s future. He suggested that the country is “doomed” merely because he did not attain his personal ambition. This negative perspective disregards the nation’s progress and potential under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Contrary to Atiku’s outlook, Bayo was confident that Nigerian democracy continues to evolve and thrive. Recent elections showcased increased diversity and representation in the National Assembly, reflecting the preferences of the voters. He said It is evident that votes count, and the electoral process is improving, a fact recognized by both local and international observers.
Atiku’s electoral defeat can be attributed to the disarray within his party, the PDP, which paled in comparison to the unified and well-coordinated campaign run by the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The vocal aide concluded by saying that Atiku’s claims of integrity and love for Nigeria are overshadowed by allegations of corruption. The U.S. Congress identified his involvement in a high-level corruption case, undermining his professed values.