Dare blasts Atiku’s TV appearance, says ex-VP’s presidential hopes are fading

Sunday Dare has criticised Atiku Abubakar over his recent television interview, arguing that the outing exposed serious gaps in leadership and may have further weakened his chances of mounting another presidential bid.

In a post on his X account, Dare—who serves as Special Adviser to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media, Public Communications and National Orientation—described the outing as underwhelming and lacking in leadership, vision, and preparedness for national office.

He said viewers were presented with a performance marked by contradictions, weak arguments, and a failure to offer clear ideas on key national issues. At a time when Nigeria is undergoing difficult but necessary economic reforms, Dare argued, Atiku did not provide any meaningful alternatives or policy direction.

According to him, the former vice president failed to outline a credible framework for governance, instead projecting what he described as personal ambition over national purpose. He also dismissed Atiku’s criticism of the current administration’s reform agenda, saying that opposition without practical solutions does not amount to leadership.

Dare added that the interview, which required clarity and depth, instead featured evasive and vague responses. He further claimed that Atiku’s posture may have alienated key groups, including young Nigerians, political allies, and long-time associates.

Rather than appearing as a unifying figure, Dare said Atiku came across as disconnected and resentful. He stressed that leadership at the highest level demands discipline, consistency, and a clear national vision—qualities he argued were absent in the appearance.

In contrast, Dare pointed to the Tinubu administration’s reform efforts, saying progress is being made despite ongoing challenges. He concluded that many viewers may now see Atiku’s political influence as waning.

“Atiku Abubakar is not being denied relevance,” Dare stated. “He is losing it—publicly, steadily, and now unmistakably.”