Dare hits back at Atiku over criticism of Tinubu, says President needs no ‘unsolicited homework’

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over what he described as an attempt to dictate how the Federal Government should run the country.

Dare, in a statement today titled “Atiku Abubakar’s Unsolicited Homework,” said the former vice-president had no basis to instruct a sitting president on how to govern within the remaining period of his mandate.

He accused Atiku of addressing President Tinubu simply as “Bola” while issuing what he described as instructions and attempting to dictate a timetable for governance.

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“That is not opposition. It is insolence,” Dare said.

He described Atiku’s approach as “political hubris”, arguing that the presidency was not a classroom and that Nigeria was not a rehearsal ground for political ambitions.

Dare said that, with the 2027 elections approaching, Atiku should take his message to Nigerians through the campaign process rather than attempt to instruct the president through press conferences.

He also criticised the ADC and its political messaging, alleging that some of its statements had created confusion rather than presenting a coherent alternative to the government.

On the economy, Dare defended the Tinubu administration’s reform programme, saying the government was undertaking what he described as difficult but necessary measures to restructure an economy affected by longstanding structural problems and fuel subsidy costs.

He dismissed Atiku’s recent calls for intervention as politically motivated, accusing the former vice-president of seeking electoral advantage from the economic difficulties Nigerians are experiencing.

Dare also raised the controversial Mambilla power project matter involving Atiku, saying the former vice-president should address questions surrounding the issue if he seeks to claim moral authority in criticising the administration.

“The Mambilla matter is not a rumour invented by the internet. It is a public controversy that requires candour, not diversion,” Dare said.

He further accused Atiku of political opportunism and said the former vice-president should answer questions about his past before attempting to “school” the Tinubu administration on governance.

Dare urged Atiku to focus on campaigning ahead of the 2027 election, saying political criticism should not be presented as instructions to the sitting president.

“Alhaji Atiku should go and campaign. If he has something to tell Nigerians, let him tell them as a candidate, not as an unappointed tutor to Mr President,” he said.

Dare concluded by saying that the Tinubu administration would continue its work despite political criticism, adding that the 2027 election would take place at the appropriate time.