Presidency Slams Opposition Over Criticism, Calls for Focus on Governance
The Nigerian Presidency has fired back at opposition figures, describing their recent criticisms as “distractive” and driven by “Machiavellian” motives. The sharp response comes amid persistent political tensions following President Bola Tinubu’s contentious election victory, which continues to be challenged by opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
In a statement released on February 3, 2025, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, accused opposition figures of stoking political unrest and shifting attention away from governance. He urged Nigerians to prioritize constructive national discourse over premature political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
Opposition Criticism and the Abuja Meeting
Dare’s remarks follow a recent gathering of opposition leaders in Abuja under the banner of “Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria.” The meeting, attended by key opposition figures and political activists, focused on the state of democracy under the Tinubu administration. However, the Presidency dismissed the event as a predictable attempt to discredit the government and manipulate public sentiment.
Labeling the opposition’s rhetoric as “undemocratic” and “divisive,” Dare argued that their efforts were less about fostering democracy and more about political positioning. He urged Nigerians to critically assess the motives of these leaders, warning that many were merely seeking to disrupt governance rather than contribute meaningfully to national development.
Lingering Election Disputes and Political Unrest
The political friction between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties has remained intense since the 2023 general elections. Tinubu’s victory, though upheld by Nigeria’s election tribunal, was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities. Both Atiku and Obi have refused to concede, maintaining that the election was neither free nor fair, and they have since escalated their legal battles, with appeals lodged at the Supreme Court.
Despite these challenges, the Tinubu administration has sought to project an image of stability, insisting that governance must take precedence over continued political disputes. Sunday Dare emphasized that the President remains committed to economic reforms, infrastructure development, and job creation—key promises of his administration.
Energy Crisis and International Commitments
One of the major challenges facing the Tinubu government is Nigeria’s lingering energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation. As discussions on governance continue, President Tinubu was recently in Tanzania, addressing critical energy partnerships, a move his administration claims is vital for Nigeria’s economic future.
However, opposition leaders argue that the government’s priorities are misplaced. They contend that while Nigerians grapple with rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity, the administration appears more focused on political battles than addressing urgent domestic concerns.
A Nation at a Political Crossroads
With the 2027 elections still years away, the current tensions reflect the deep divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape. The opposition remains vocal in its criticism, while the government insists on moving forward with its development agenda. As these political battles unfold, ordinary Nigerians are left grappling with economic difficulties, eager for policies that will improve their daily lives.
While the road ahead remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s political drama is far from over. Whether the opposition can successfully challenge the Tinubu administration or whether the government can solidify its legitimacy will shape the country’s democratic future in the years to come.
