Atiku’s interview, a disaster; ambition dead on arrival — Sunday Dare

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has criticised former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, over his recent interview on Arise Television, describing it as a “disaster.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, Dare said Atiku’s television appearance lacked substance and failed to demonstrate leadership or policy direction.

“Atiku Abubakar’s latest television outing didn’t cover him in glory — it was a disaster, an unraveling broadcast in real time,” he said.

“What Nigerians witnessed was not leadership, not vision, and certainly not readiness for office. It was a disjointed, self-indulgent performance marked by contradictions, bluster, and a startling absence of substance on matters of national importance.”

Dare argued that Atiku failed to provide a credible alternative to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly at a time the government is implementing economic reforms.

“At a time when the country is undergoing difficult but necessary economic reforms, Atiku offered nothing resembling a credible alternative. When pressed for policy direction, there was none. No framework, no roadmap — just the familiar refrain of opposition for its own sake,” he said.

He further accused the former vice-president of focusing on personal ambition rather than national development.

“Strip away the rhetoric, and one thing becomes clear: the only discernible agenda is personal ambition,” Dare added.

The presidential aide also faulted Atiku’s criticism of government reforms, saying it lacked depth and clarity.

“Criticism without substance is not leadership — it is evasion. And in a moment that demanded clarity and depth, what Nigerians got was vagueness and deflection,” he said.

Dare further claimed that Atiku’s remarks alienated key constituencies.

“In one sweep, he managed to alienate nearly every constituency — young people, political allies, and even figures within his own broader political history. It was not a message of unity or coalition-building; it was a monologue of grievance,” he said.

He concluded that the interview reinforced doubts about Atiku’s leadership credentials.

“For many Nigerians, that interview settled any lingering doubts. It was not just unconvincing — it was disqualifying. Atiku Abubakar is not being denied relevance. He is losing it — publicly, steadily, and now unmistakably.”