I don’t seek validation from political opportunists, Atiku replies Bwala

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he will not seek political advice from “political opportunists” like Daniel Bwala, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special adviser on policy communication. 

Atiku spoke in a statement released by his media team on Tuesday.

The statement was a response to Bwala’s remark that Atiku should accept that the presidency may not be his destiny.

On Monday, Bwala, an ex-spokesperson for Atiku, advised his former principal to embrace reality and collaborate with President Tinubu in building the country.

In response, Atiku described Bwala as a “political turncoat” trying to “curry favour with a floundering administration clearly shaken by the unstoppable momentum of the national coalition being galvanised” by oppositions.

“Let it be clearly stated: Atiku Abubakar neither seeks nor requires validation from political opportunists who shed principles as easily as they change parties,” the statement reads.

“Mr. Bwala’s current relevance, if any, is owed entirely to the platform he once occupied under Atiku’s leadership — a fact that should breed humility, not arrogance.

“The Tinubu camp’s obsession with Atiku’s political future is no coincidence. If, as they claim, Atiku is a spent force, why the relentless smear campaign?

“Why the strategic allocation of presidential platforms to attack him? The answer is plain: Atiku Abubakar remains the single most formidable opposition figure in Nigeria, and the coalition he is forging represents a clear and present danger to the decaying edifice of the ruling party.

“This broad-based alliance, aimed at reclaiming Nigeria from economic collapse, institutional failure, and democratic erosion, has clearly rattled the ruling elite.

“No amount of historical revisionism or sanctimony can obscure the fact that Atiku has been a central pillar in Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, championing reform, restructuring, and electoral integrity when others chose complicity.

“Legacy is not defined by the trappings of office but by courage, consistency, and conviction.

“Atiku Abubakar’s legacy — as a unifier, builder, and patriot — is deeply etched in the consciousness of millions of Nigerians.

“It is impervious to the revisionist bile of yesterday’s defectors turned today’s defenders of dysfunction.

“We reaffirm, unequivocally, that the Waziri Adamawa remains focused and unshaken in his commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“He will not be distracted by political jesters masquerading as patriots. The rescue and rebuilding of Nigeria is a task of urgent national importance — far too important to be derailed by the petty ego trips of desperate presidential aides.”