Tinubu Questions Atiku’s Leadership Credentials
President Bola Tinubu on Friday mocked African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, stating that Abubakar ran away from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form what he described as a "dangerous AD camp."[1]
Tinubu questioned whether Abubakar possesses the necessary leadership traits and character to rule Nigeria after leaving the PDP due to "a little inconvenience," according to reports from his campaign rally in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.[2]
The president characterized Abubakar’s departure from the PDP as a retreat rather than a strategic move, asking if the ADC candidate had the fortitude to lead the country after abandoning the party where he "grew from a baby into a father," according to the Daily Post.[3]
Tinubu used these remarks to caution voters in Akwa Ibom State against supporting Abubakar, framing the ADC’s formation as a risky political alliance born out of dissatisfaction rather than strength.[4]
Campaign Promises and Voter Mobilization
During the same rally, Tinubu appealed to residents of Akwa Ibom State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.[5]
Addressing the crowd directly, the president said, "Akwa Ibom, I love you; I will sleep here tonight, have a presidential sleep and dream. Please, I'm begging you, go and collect your PVCs and vote for the sake of your future," according to the Daily Post.[6]
Tinubu outlined his campaign platform, promising development, education, skills development, and jobs to the state’s residents.[7]
He urged voters to support him for a "better future," stating, "I promise you a better future; I promise you development, I promise you education, skills development, I promise you jobs; we are going to plant a lot of economic trees," according to reports from the event.[8]
The president also highlighted the potential for local economic growth, noting there was "no reason why Akwa Ibom can't use the value of palm trees and the palms here" to create developmental skills, according to the Daily Post.[9]