Atiku Abubakar has come down hard on President Bola Tinubu, blaming his swift removal of fuel subsidy for the economic pain many Nigerians are facing today. According to the former Vice President, the decision has only deepened inflation, hunger, and hopelessness across the country. Also, he slammed the arrest and ongoing detention of labour activist Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, calling it a direct attack on democracy and a clear warning sign of rising authoritarianism under Tinubu’s leadership.

In a statement released Sunday, Atiku accused the government of breaking its promise to workers. He pointed to the N35,000 wage award Tinubu promised as a temporary relief measure, saying it has now turned into yet another unfulfilled pledge. Emelieze was reportedly arrested while trying to lead a peaceful protest demanding the payment of that very wage award.

Atiku showed concern that it took the government almost a year to settle on a new minimum wage, describing the delay as unacceptable. He praised state governments that have handled labour matters better, contrasting them with the federal government, which he said has shown little to no concern for the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Finally, Atiku demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Emelieze and urged the government to stop using fear and repression as a response to citizens’ cries. “Nigerian workers are suffering,” he said. “The government needs to step up and respond with solutions, not silence or suppression.”

President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sent a strong message to Peter Obi, cautioning him against forming a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections. Onanuga believes Obi would not enjoy the same level of passionate support he had in 2023 if he decides to play second fiddle to Atiku.

According to him, many of Obi’s supporters were drawn to his individual candidacy and would likely not back an alliance that makes him a running mate. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Onanuga maintained that the APC remains confident going into 2027. He said Tinubu’s work in office will speak volumes when it’s time to campaign again.

He added that while opposition figures like Obi, Atiku, and other political players are busy testing out alliances and strategies, the ruling party is focused on governance and delivery, which, he claims, will keep Tinubu in power beyond 2027. Obi and Atiku are currently involved in a political coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform.

The Senior Pastor of The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, has shared his thoughts on the 2027 presidential election, saying that only a joint ticket of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) can truly challenge and defeat President Bola Tinubu.

Pastor Giwa believes that for the opposition to have a real shot, Peter Obi must be willing to step down and support Atiku as the presidential candidate of the coalition. He argued that while Obi has strong backing in the Southeast, Atiku has a broader reach across the country, especially in the North.

“In my view, if Obi insists on being the flagbearer, the coalition will lose,” he said. “But if he steps down for Atiku, the chances of defeating Tinubu become real. Only an Atiku-Obi ticket can shake the ruling party.” Giwa further explained that a Southeasterner like Obi wouldn’t get enough national support to win on his own, as he believes both the North and parts of the South are still not ready to back a candidate from that region.

He added that Atiku, if elected, would be more likely to hand over power to the Southeast in the future, describing him as more politically stable and nationally accepted. “Obi knows the reality on ground,” Giwa said. “He saw what happened in the last election. If he wasn’t open to stepping down, he wouldn’t have joined the coalition. He understands Atiku is more popular and politically experienced.”

According to him, if both men come together with the right understanding, they could form a strong ticket that resonates across the country and offers a real alternative in 2027.