Emmanuel OchayiIn response to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s press conference on Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says Nigeria is not doomed, but it’s Atiku’s ambitious pursuit of the presidency that is doomed.
Atiku, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate in the February election, had addressed the media over the Supreme Court judgment against his election petition appeal. He voiced his dissatisfaction with the outcome and criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, particularly the apex court.
In response, Onanuga accused Atiku of attempting to delegitimize the country’s institutions to achieve his political goals. He pointed out Atiku’s history, including his association with the military junta during a period of military rule in Nigeria, as well as his alleged kleptocracy.
READ ALSO: Atiku Seeks Electoral Act Amendment For Mandatory Electronic Voting, Collation Of Election
“Onanuga criticized Atiku’s pessimistic view of Nigeria, stating that the country is not doomed. Instead, it’s Atiku’s relentless ambition to become President that is doomed,” he said.
He also highlighted the progress of Nigeria’s democracy and the diversity of choices represented in the current National Assembly, emphasizing that votes count in today’s Nigeria. Onanuga argued that Atiku’s loss in the election was due to his fragmented party platform, which couldn’t compete with a unified All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He then advised Atiku to put an end to his presidential ambitions, which have spanned over three decades, and not engage in activities that could disrupt the nation’s political atmosphere and harmony.
READ ALSO: APC Urges Atiku To Accept Defeat As Statesman
Onanuga stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions to prevent corrupt and self-serving individuals from influencing the nation’s democracy. He warned that such individuals might resort to destructive actions if they don’t win their political battles.
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