Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Presidency, insisting that resorting to insults and personal attacks cannot substitute for transparency regarding the records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, made the remarks in a statement reacting to recent exchanges between his camp and government officials. He accused aides of the president of evading substantive issues by engaging in verbal attacks rather than addressing concerns raised about Tinubu’s past records.
According to the former vice president, Nigerians deserve full disclosure and accountability from their leaders, especially on matters that have generated public interest and debate. He argued that transparency is a cornerstone of democratic governance and should not be undermined by what he described as “diversionary tactics.”
“At no point should personal insults be used as a shield against legitimate questions,” Atiku said. “The Nigerian people are entitled to clear and verifiable information about those who hold the highest offices in the land.”
He maintained that his call for transparency is not driven by political rivalry but by a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. Atiku further urged the Presidency to respond to issues with facts and documentation rather than rhetoric.
The statement comes amid ongoing political tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition figures, with debates over governance, accountability, and electoral legitimacy continuing to shape national discourse.
Reacting indirectly, some supporters of the administration have argued that the president has already addressed relevant concerns and should be allowed to focus on governance. However, Atiku insisted that public office holders must remain open to scrutiny at all times.
Political analysts say the development reflects the broader contest for public trust and credibility in Nigeria’s political space, where calls for transparency and accountability often intersect with partisan disagreements.
As the debate continues, observers note that the demand for openness in governance is likely to remain a central issue in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.