Your Political Career, Quest for Presidency Bleak, Onanuga Mocks Atiku as Okowa Dumps PDP

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, , has launched a scathing attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a “serial loser” with a “bleak political future” in light of recent defections from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Onanuga’s remarks came in response to reports of key defections from the PDP, including the former Delta State Governor and 2023 vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa. The presidential aide claimed the defections were a clear sign that Atiku’s influence within the party and the Nigerian political landscape at large was rapidly dwindling.

“Atiku Abubakar should by now accept the reality that his time is up,” Onanuga said in a statement. “He has contested and lost the presidency multiple times, and his political calculations continue to fail. Nigerians have consistently rejected his brand of politics.”

Onanuga further accused Atiku of leading a “fragmented and tattered umbrella,” a jab at the PDP’s symbol and current internal divisions. He argued that the former vice president’s inability to unite the party in the lead-up to the 2023 election significantly contributed to his defeat.

The Tinubu aide also revisited Atiku’s economic plans, labeling them as unrealistic and potentially dangerous for Nigeria’s stability. He specifically referenced Atiku’s proposal to privatize the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), calling it “a blueprint for crony capitalism.”

“Had Nigerians entrusted Atiku with power, we would be in worse economic straits today. His privatization agenda was nothing but a scheme for the benefit of a privileged few,” Onanuga added.

In a sharp personal dig, Onanuga described Atiku’s political aspirations as “self-serving” and urged him to retire from active politics for the good of the nation. “It is time for Atiku to exit the stage gracefully. The Nigerian people have moved on.”

Atiku Abubakar has yet to formally respond to Onanuga’s comments, but PDP insiders suggest the former vice president remains committed to party unity and national development, despite the mounting challenges.

The latest round of intra-party defections and public criticism could signal deeper cracks within the PDP as it struggles to redefine its identity and strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.