Atiku Abubakar Fires Back at Bwala: “I Don’t Need Validation from Political Opportunists”

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has delivered a blistering response to recent remarks made by Daniel Bwala, former ally and now Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused Bwala of abandoning principles in favor of political convenience.

Bwala, during a Monday interview on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, had dismissed Atiku’s political ambitions, suggesting the former Vice President should “accept the will of God” and cease contesting “against destiny.” He also declared any coalition fronted by Atiku as “dead on arrival.” Atiku, in response, described Bwala’s comments as “sanctimonious pontificating, laced with bitterness and duplicity.”

Calling Bwala’s remarks ironic and unfortunate, Atiku Abubakar reminded Nigerians that Bwala once served as his spokesperson and benefitted from his political platform. “His 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 statement read.

Political Opportunism and Changing Allegiances

Atiku Abubakar did not mince words in characterizing Bwala and others like him as “political opportunists who shed principles as easily as they change parties.” This veiled reference to Bwala’s previous political affiliations and sudden shift in allegiance appears to be a broader commentary on the fluid loyalty seen in Nigerian politics.

The former Vice President emphasized that he neither seeks nor requires validation from individuals who have traded political convictions for fleeting relevance. “Let it be clearly stated: Atiku Abubakar neither seeks nor requires validation from political opportunists,” he said. This assertion underscores his resolve to stand apart from the growing tide of transactional politics.

This isn’t the first time Atiku has clashed with former allies who crossed over to rival camps. Political observers note that his latest response is not just a defense against personal attacks but a broader indictment of the ruling party’s inner circle and its shifting loyalties.

Tinubu Camp’s Alleged Obsession with Atiku Abubakar

Atiku Abubakar further questioned the motive behind what he described as a persistent smear campaign from the Tinubu-led administration. He asked rhetorically, “If, as they claim, Atiku is a spent force, why the relentless smear campaign? Why the strategic allocation of presidential platforms to attack him?”

According to him, the answer is simple: his presence and the growing coalition he is spearheading pose a “clear and present danger” to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He added that the momentum behind the coalition, which aims to reverse Nigeria’s economic and institutional decline, is already rattling the ruling elite.

“The Tinubu camp’s obsession with Atiku’s political future is no coincidence,” the statement asserted. “This broad-based alliance…has clearly rattled the ruling elite.” This claim reinforces Atiku’s image as a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition movement.

Reasserting Legacy and Democratic Commitment

In the face of Bwala’s veiled suggestion that he should retire from politics, Atiku reasserted the significance of his legacy and long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development. According to him, true legacy is not defined by positions held but by the courage, consistency, and conviction displayed over time.

“Atiku Abubakar’s legacy — as a unifier, builder, and patriot — is deeply etched in the consciousness of millions of Nigerians,” the statement emphasized. It went further to assert that this legacy is immune to attacks from “revisionist defectors turned defenders of dysfunction.”

Throughout his political career, Atiku has been an advocate for restructuring, democratic reforms, and electoral integrity. These, he claimed, form the pillars of his legacy — a legacy that cannot be undone by political posturing or short-term narratives.

National Rescue Above Political Ego Trips

Atiku concluded his response by reiterating his unwavering commitment to rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria. He declared that such a mission is too important to be distracted by political jesters pretending to be 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,” he warned.

The statement affirms that the former Vice President remains focused on Nigeria’s future and will not be deterred by the noise of those seeking personal gain through political subservience. It was a clear message that Atiku considers the current administration’s attacks a sign of their unease with the growing opposition movement.

As political tensions intensify ahead of future elections, Atiku’s strong response to Bwala not only reasserts his political relevance but also throws down the gauntlet to a ruling party increasingly on the defensive. His parting message was unmistakable: “We reaffirm, unequivocally, that the Waziri Adamawa remains focused and unshaken in his commitment to Nigeria’s future.”