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A pro-Tinubu group, PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his comments on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing foreign holiday, describing the criticism as an attempt to turn a routine presidential leave into a political controversy.
The movement argued that taking a vacation was normal practice among political leaders around the world and did not constitute an abdication of responsibility or create a leadership vacuum. Project reports
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, FIMC, CMC, and made available to journalists on Sunday in Kaduna, the group urged Atiku to focus on presenting his political agenda to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections rather than focusing on the temporary absence of the President from the country.
The group rejects the claim of leadership vacuum
The group said President Tinubu’s decision to go on holiday should not be construed as a dereliction of duty, stressing that government institutions and officials remain in place to ensure continuity of government.
He argued that leaders, including presidents and heads of government, routinely take time off without disrupting government activities.
The movement thus described attempts to portray the president’s vacation as evidence of a leadership vacuum as politically motivated.
“Presidents and world leaders go on vacation. A vacation does not mean that a country has been abandoned. Nigeria has functioning institutions and officials responsible for ensuring that the government continues to function,” it read.
The group urged political actors to focus their attention on issues that directly affect Nigerians rather than politicizing what it described as a routine administrative matter.
The movement challenges Atiku on the 2027 agenda
The movement also took aim at Atiku’s political past, describing him as a “directionless serial presidential contender” and questioning what it said was the absence of a clear alternative agenda after several attempts to secure the presidency.
He argued that the former vice president should use the period leading up to the 2027 elections to explain to Nigerians what he intends to do differently if given another opportunity to lead the country.
According to the group, Nigerians are more interested in concrete proposals on the economy, security, employment and other pressing national issues than in political attacks against President Tinubu.
“Having contested the presidency repeatedly since 1993, Atiku should tell Nigerians what he intends to do differently, rather than spend his time attacking President Tinubu,” the statement read.
The group questions Atiku’s benefits position
The movement also accused the former vice president of inconsistency on fuel subsidy policy.
He recalled Atiku’s position in the 2023 election campaign on eliminating subsidies and contrasted it with his more recent advocacy for measures to reverse some of the effects of the policy.
The group argued that the position required further explanation, especially given the economic hardships experienced by Nigerians.
“In 2023, he told Nigerians he would remove fuel subsidies. Today he talks about reinstating them. Nigerians deserve to know whether this is a real political position or simply an attempt to deceive people into thinking he suddenly sympathizes with them,” he said.
The movement argued that political parties and would-be political parties should provide clear political alternatives rather than seek to exploit public frustration over economic hardship.
Preparations for the 2027 elections
The group also reminded Atiku that preparations for the 2027 general elections are already underway, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commencing activities ahead of the elections.
He accordingly challenged the former Vice President to take his campaign directly to Nigerians and explain his proposed solutions to the country’s challenges.
“INEC has drawn up the timetable. Atiku should go out and campaign and tell Nigerians what he has for them. Smearing President Tinubu’s name because he has gone on holiday will not work,” the movement said.
According to the group, the emerging political competition should be centered on competing ideas and agendas rather than personal attacks.
The movement defends Tinubu’s performance
The PBAT door-to-door movement has urged Nigerians to evaluate the Tinubu administration based on its policies and performance rather than statements by political opponents.
Opposition politicians have the right to criticize the government, but they should be equally ready to offer credible alternatives to existing policies.
The movement argued that the 2027 elections would provide Nigerians with the opportunity to compare the achievements, programs and policy proposals of various political contenders.
He therefore challenged Atiku and other opposition figures to engage Nigerians on issues such as economic growth, job creation, security, infrastructure and social development.
The group argued that criticizing the president for taking annual leave would not address the country’s challenges or provide voters with enough information to make an informed decision in 2027.
He urged political leaders to focus on substantive national issues and allow Nigerians to determine who deserves their mandate when they go to the polls.
