In what appears to be a no-holds-barred attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday to mock the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), calling him a “loser” amid a growing wave of defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Onanuga, known for his blunt political commentaries, ridiculed Atiku’s ongoing political consultations and alliances, suggesting they were crumbling even before gaining momentum.
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He specifically pointed to recent movements within the political landscape, which have seen key PDP figures reportedly shift allegiance to the APC. “Atiku’s political future looks bleak,” Onanuga wrote.
“The coalition that he, El Rufai, Babachir, and new member Baba-Ahmed are cobbling together has disintegrated.”
He further claimed that Atiku’s efforts to form a viable opposition bloc had been rebuffed by even his closest political allies. “Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth,” he added.
“Atiku is a loser again.”
The harsh rhetoric reflects increasing tension between the camps of the ruling party and the main opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who has made multiple attempts at clinching the presidency since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, has remained a formidable political figure despite repeated electoral setbacks.
Observers believe Onanuga’s statement may be a strategic move by the presidency to capitalize on the internal cracks within the PDP, especially as some of its heavyweights continue to express disillusionment with the party’s direction and leadership.
While Atiku is yet to officially respond to the presidential aide’s jibe, his loyalists have in recent days dismissed similar narratives, insisting that the former vice president remains a unifying figure within the opposition and a critical voice in Nigeria’s democratic process.
As the political temperature rises ahead of 2027, analysts say Onanuga’s comments may be a sign that the APC is keenly watching Atiku’s every move—and is ready to confront him on all fronts, even in the arena of public perception.
More developments are expected in the coming days as the PDP contends with the internal pressures of defections and the APC shores up its base in anticipation of future contests.
 account on Thursday to mock the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), calling him a “loser” amid a growing wave of defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).){kind=link}