Atiku’s Presidential Bid ‘Dead On Arrival’, Says Dare

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, has said the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is “dead on arrival.”

Dare made the remark in a post on his X handle while reacting to Atiku’s recent television interview.

In the statement, the presidential aide described the outing as a poor showing, arguing that it lacked leadership, vision and readiness for office.

He said the interview reflected what he characterised as a lack of substance on matters of national importance, adding that Atiku failed to present a clear policy direction or credible alternative.

Dare further stated that criticism of ongoing reforms without offering solutions does not amount to leadership, but amounts to opposition without substance.

He also faulted the tone of the interview, saying it did not convey unity or coalition-building, but rather reflected grievances.

According to him, leadership requires clarity, discipline and a unifying vision, which he said were not evident in the former vice president’s remarks.

Dare added that Atiku is not being denied relevance, but is “losing it—publicly, steadily, and now unmistakably.”