Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has fired back at Daniel Bwala, Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication, saying he does not need approval from individuals who frequently abandon principles for political gain.
Atiku’s response came through a statement issued Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, following Bwala’s remarks during a Monday appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout. In the interview, Bwala dismissed the relevance of a potential political coalition and advised Atiku to stop contesting what he termed “destiny.”
Reacting, Atiku described Bwala’s comments as ironic and disappointing, particularly given his previous role as Atiku’s spokesperson. The statement criticized Bwala’s shift in loyalty and accused him of using his new position to win favour with what it called a struggling administration.
“His sanctimonious pontificating, laced with bitterness and duplicity, betrays a desperate effort to curry favour with a floundering administration clearly shaken by the unstoppable momentum of the national coalition being galvanised by Atiku and other progressive leaders,” the statement read.
“Atiku Abubakar neither seeks nor requires validation from political opportunists who shed principles as easily as they change parties. Mr. Bwala’s current relevance stems solely from the platform he once enjoyed under Atiku’s leadership — a fact that should inspire humility, not hubris.”
Atiku further questioned the ruling party’s persistent focus on him, asking why he remains a target if, as claimed, he is no longer politically relevant. He argued that his coalition-building efforts threaten the status quo, making him a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
He emphasized that the coalition aims to rescue Nigeria from economic decay and governance failure, asserting that his record of championing reform and integrity since 1999 speaks for itself.
“Legacy is defined not by position, but by courage, consistency, and conviction,” the statement concluded. “Atiku Abubakar’s legacy as a patriot, reformer, and unifier is firmly rooted in the hearts of Nigerians. He remains focused and undeterred by political jesters pretending to be patriots. Rebuilding Nigeria is a mission far too vital to be derailed by petty distractions.”
