Presidency faults Atiku over comments on APC government

By Kunle Sanni –

The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over remarks describing the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration as worse than military rule, accusing him of making inflammatory statements capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic system.

The criticism followed comments Atiku made on Tuesday at the launch of a book by the spokesman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, where he reportedly described the current APC-led government as the worst form of governance he had witnessed in nearly four decades of political involvement.

Reacting in a post on his verified X handle, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described Atiku’s comments as reckless and misleading, warning that such rhetoric could fuel unrest, particularly after electoral defeats.

Dare said it was troubling for a former Vice President to equate an elected democratic government with military dictatorship, arguing that the comparison distorted history and did a disservice to Nigerians who endured repression under military regimes.

He noted that under the current democratic system, opposition figures enjoy freedoms such as public criticism of government, political mobilisation, and unrestricted movement—freedoms which, he said, were absent during military rule.

The presidential aide accused Atiku of repeatedly discrediting elections and democratic institutions whenever outcomes do not favour him, describing the former Vice President’s remarks as driven by frustration rather than constructive opposition.

According to Dare, portraying economic reforms and policy decisions as acts of repression risks trivialising the sacrifices made during Nigeria’s struggle for democracy and undermines the significance of the June 12 legacy.

He maintained that despite criticisms from the opposition, Nigeria remains firmly on a democratic path and has moved beyond military rule, urging political leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements.