By Obah Sylva
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has criticised Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying the opposition figures cannot be trusted to lead Nigeria. He cited what he called a “box full” of corruption and money-laundering cases against Atiku and accused Amaechi of politicising his late mother’s death.
Key Highlights
- Onanuga criticised Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi ahead of the 2027 election.
- He alleged Atiku faced corruption-related controversies and questioned the opposition figures’ suitability to govern.
- Onanuga also faulted Amaechi for linking his mother’s death to the economic impact of Tinubu administration policies.
- Atiku’s camp has rejected the allegations and challenged the APC to produce a corruption conviction against him.
- The dispute follows criticism of Amaechi by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over his remarks about his mother.
Onanuga Criticises Atiku and Amaechi
Onanuga made the comments in a post on his X account while reacting to a video of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike criticising Amaechi over his recent comments about his late mother.
Amaechi had argued that the economic policies of the Tinubu administration contributed to his inability to afford medication needed by his mother before her death. Wike subsequently described the remarks as political.
Onanuga said Amaechi had gone too far by bringing his mother’s death into political arguments. He also questioned whether Amaechi and Atiku should be entrusted with running the country.
Onanuga Raises Corruption Allegations Against Atiku
In his post, Onanuga described Atiku as having a “box full” of corruption and money-laundering cases. The statement echoes a wider APC campaign against the former vice-president and the ADC ticket.
On September 24, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka cited controversies surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, the Siemens bribery case, the William Jefferson case, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund and a 2010 US Senate investigation into suspicious financial transactions.
These are allegations and controversies cited in political arguments, not proof of a criminal conviction. Atiku’s campaign council has rejected the claims and challenged the APC to produce a corruption conviction against him.
Mambilla Controversy Returns to Political Debate
The Mambilla power project controversy remains among the issues the APC cites in its criticism of Atiku. It includes a reported $500,000 payment in 2003 from Sunrise Power promoter Leno Adesanya to Jennifer Douglas, who was Atiku’s wife at the time.
The APC has used the matter to question Atiku’s suitability for the presidency, while Atiku’s camp disputes the interpretation of the controversy and says allegations should not be treated as convictions. It has become part of the wider political debate over Atiku’s record ahead of 2027.
Amaechi Under Fire Over Mother’s Death
The second major issue in Onanuga’s criticism concerns Amaechi’s comments about his late mother. Amaechi argued that the economic consequences of the Tinubu administration’s policies had made it difficult for him to afford her medication.
He has also accused the administration of worsening economic hardship and said Nigerians are struggling with the cost of food, fuel and other necessities. Onanuga described Amaechi’s argument as an attempt to use a personal tragedy for political purposes.
Onanuga Says Amaechi Previously Questioned Atiku’s Electability
Onanuga also referred to an earlier comment in which Amaechi reportedly questioned Atiku’s chances of winning the 2027 election. He used the comment to argue that Amaechi had previously expressed doubts about Atiku’s electability.
Atiku and Amaechi are now aligned on the ADC platform, with Amaechi serving as Atiku’s running mate, and have positioned themselves as challengers to President Tinubu and the APC.
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Social Media Reactions Split Over Onanuga’s Attack
Onanuga’s comments generated mixed reactions on social media. Some Amaechi supporters accused the presidential spokesman of defending the Tinubu administration while overlooking economic hardship. Others backed Wike’s criticism and questioned Amaechi’s decision to link his mother’s death to government policies.
The contrasting reactions reflect the increasingly heated debate ahead of the 2027 election.
APC Intensifies Attack on ADC Ticket
The controversy comes as the APC continues to criticise the Atiku-Amaechi ticket. The ruling party has questioned Atiku’s record and suitability to control the national treasury, while the ADC has accused the APC of relying on old allegations instead of addressing current economic concerns.
The confrontation between Onanuga, Atiku and Amaechi reflects the growing political battle over economic performance, corruption allegations, personal credibility and Nigeria’s direction ahead of the next presidential election.
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