The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has strongly criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent interview on Arise Television, describing the appearance as a “disaster” and a failed attempt to present himself as a credible national leader.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dare said the television interview exposed what he described as a lack of vision, leadership, and clear policy direction on the part of the former vice president.
According to him, Atiku’s outing was marked by contradictions, excessive rhetoric, and a noticeable absence of substance on issues of national importance.
“Atiku Abubakar’s latest television outing did not cover him in glory; it was a disaster and an unraveling broadcast in real time,” Dare said.
He added that what Nigerians saw was not the conduct of a leader prepared for office, but rather a disjointed performance lacking focus and depth.
“What Nigerians witnessed was not leadership, not vision, and certainly not readiness for office. It was a self-indulgent performance marked by contradictions, bluster, and a startling absence of substance on matters of national importance,” he stated.
Dare further argued that Atiku failed to present a credible alternative to the policies of President Tinubu, especially at a time when the administration is pursuing what it describes as difficult but necessary economic reforms.
He said the former vice president offered no clear framework or roadmap when questioned about his policy direction.
“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,” Dare said.
He maintained that beyond the rhetoric, the only visible objective in Atiku’s remarks was personal ambition.
“Strip away the rhetoric, and one thing becomes clear: the only discernible agenda is personal ambition,” he added.
The presidential aide also faulted Atiku’s criticism of the government’s reforms, saying it lacked clarity and substance.
“Criticism without substance is not leadership; it is evasion. In a moment that demanded clarity and depth, what Nigerians got was vagueness and deflection,” Dare said.
Dare further claimed that some of Atiku’s comments during the interview may have alienated important political and public constituencies, reinforcing doubts about his readiness to offer a viable alternative leadership vision for the country.
Sunday Dare Slams Atiku’s Arise TV Interview, Says Presidential Ambition ‘Dead on Arrival’
