Atiku Abubakar has once again attempted to distort Nigeria’s democratic reality by misrepresenting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s statesmanlike intervention in Rivers State. In his latest outburst, Atiku declared:
“Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about. The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and is still illegal today. President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration.”
But Nigerians are neither deceived nor swayed by such rhetoric. Coming from a man whose political career is littered with controversies, contradictions, and self-serving policies, Atiku’s words ring hollow—like the echo of a broken drum.
This is the same Atiku who, as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo, presided over a regime that weaponized privatization to enrich cronies and impoverish workers. He auctioned off national assets—NITEL, NEPA subsidiaries, and refineries—without accountability. That reckless era of economic vandalism left scars on Nigeria’s industrial growth and pushed millions into hardship. How then does Atiku, who sold Nigeria’s wealth for personal and political gain, dare to speak of constitutional order and democracy?
Atiku’s hypocrisy is as old as his career. He complains of “dictatorship” today, yet Nigerians remember how he manipulated party primaries, betrayed alliances, and ran from one political platform to another in pursuit of personal ambition. His inconsistency is legendary: from PDP to ACN, back to PDP, then to APC, and again to PDP—all in restless pursuit of his selfish quest to become president. If anyone represents the “shenanigans” of Nigerian politics, it is Atiku Abubakar himself.
It is also laughable that Atiku accuses President Tinubu of illegality. This is the same Atiku who miscommunicated gravely during the 2023 campaigns, suggesting that Northerners should vote for a candidate from “the North” rather than a “Yoruba or Igbo.” His words exposed his deep-seated sectional mindset, undermining the unity of Nigeria. How then does such a divisive politician speak of democracy?
President Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers State was not dictatorship but leadership. He ensured that political tension did not snowball into chaos. His action restored balance, protected the mandate of Governor Fubara, and preserved the dignity of democratic institutions. Nigerians saw wisdom, maturity, and courage in Tinubu’s decision—values Atiku has never exhibited in his decades of political opportunism.
Atiku is simply angry because the President he failed to defeat is building a legacy of democratic consolidation, while his own record remains a history of betrayal, economic sabotage, and failed presidential bids. Nigerians are tired of recycled politicians whose only tool is propaganda.
Today, Nigerians stand with President Bola Tinubu, the leader who is safeguarding democratic stability while his detractors nurse bitterness in political wilderness.
Comments from Nigerians
Chinedu Okwara:
“Atiku should be the last man to talk about dictatorship. This is the same man who sold our national assets for peanuts. He turned privatization into family business. Nigerians have not forgotten.”
Aisha Musa:
“Every election cycle, Atiku runs from party to party like a political nomad. How can such a man who has no principle call Tinubu a dictator? Hypocrisy at its peak!”
Bello Mohammed:
“Atiku told Northerners not to vote for Yoruba or Igbo during campaigns, and now he talks about democracy. Please sir, Nigerians have moved on from your tribal politics.”
Funke Adeyemi:
“President Tinubu saved Rivers State from crisis. That’s what true leadership is about. Atiku should stop being bitter because the man he couldn’t defeat is delivering stability.”
Emeka Nwosu:
“Atiku’s comment is laughable. When he was Vice President, he presided over the looting of Nigeria through shady privatization. Nigerians don’t need lectures from him.”