The Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has delivered a scathing assessment of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s rumored aspirations for the 2027 presidency. 

Speaking on the political landscape, Dare characterized Atiku’s potential bid as “dead on arrival,” suggesting that the perennial candidate has lost touch with the current realities of Nigerian politics and the aspirations of its citizens.

The remarks come as political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the next election cycle. Dare argued that the former Vice President’s repeated attempts at the nation’s highest office have reached a point of diminishing returns. He asserted that Nigerians are looking toward a future defined by the reforms and “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration, rather than returning to the political strategies of the past which he claims Atiku represents.

Addressing the former Vice President’s recent criticisms of the federal government’s economic policies, Dare dismissed them as the rhetoric of an “opposition leader seeking relevance.” He noted that while Atiku is entitled to his ambitions, the electorate has consistently moved in a different direction in previous polls.

The presidential aide suggested that the political dynamics in Nigeria have shifted fundamentally, making it difficult for “recycled” candidates to gain significant traction.

The statement has sparked a fresh wave of debate within political circles. Supporters of Atiku Abubakar have often pointed to his experience and economic blueprints as the solution to the country’s challenges, while critics—echoing Dare’s sentiment—argue that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain should embrace the role of a statesman rather than a contestant. Dare emphasized that the government remains focused on its developmental milestones rather than being distracted by “early-season politicking.”

As the 2027 race begins to take shape, these comments underscore the sharpening divide between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition. By framing Atiku’s bid as a non-starter, the presidency appears to be setting the stage for a narrative centered on generational shifts and the continuity of current reforms, challenging the opposition to present more than just familiar faces in the coming years.