Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Presidency of selectively quoting former President Olusegun Obasanjo to discredit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ibe made the allegation in a statement published on his social media handles on Sunday in response to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
The exchange followed the circulation of a video in which Obasanjo was quoted as criticising Atiku’s leadership qualities, judgment and understanding of the responsibilities of the presidency.
In the video, the former president reportedly said Atiku complained too much and failed to demonstrate the understanding required to become Nigeria’s president.
“Atiku Abubakar does not have right sense of judgment, and on a number of occasions, I pointed this out to him. He complained too much and wasn’t able to understand or learn what it takes to be a president… so I gave up,” Obasanjo said.
However, Ibe argued that the Presidency’s reliance on Obasanjo’s criticism presented an incomplete account of the former president’s relationship with Atiku.
Ibe Recalls Obasanjo’s Endorsement of Atiku in 2018
The media aide questioned why the Presidency highlighted Obasanjo’s negative assessment of Atiku without acknowledging his subsequent endorsement of the former vice president ahead of the 2019 presidential election.
Ibe recalled that on October 11, 2018, Obasanjo endorsed Atiku, citing his understanding of the economy and experience in business.
According to Ibe, Obasanjo also acknowledged Atiku’s national and international connections, arguing at the time that the former vice president possessed the capacity to perform better than then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
He challenged the Presidency to explain why it was relying on Obasanjo’s earlier criticism while overlooking the endorsement that followed.
“If Obasanjo’s judgment is your evidence against Atiku, why conveniently omit his unequivocal endorsement of the same Atiku in 2018?” Ibe asked.
Ibe maintained that political relationships evolve, with disagreements sometimes giving way to reconciliation and new alliances. He argued that references to past political disputes should also recognise subsequent developments.
Atiku’s Aide Defends Amaechi as Running Mate
Ibe also defended Atiku’s choice of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate, dismissing references to Amaechi’s previous criticism of Atiku as an incomplete representation of their political relationship.
According to Ibe, the earlier disagreement occurred in May 2026, when both politicians were competing for the ADC presidential ticket.
He said Amaechi subsequently emerged as Atiku’s running mate on June 15 and had publicly defended their joint policy proposals.
Ibe also referred to Amaechi’s remarks at the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council on Friday, saying the former minister had made it clear that the party’s primaries were over and its members should focus on the campaign ahead.
The media aide argued that political competition during party primaries should not be used to undermine alliances formed after the contests had ended.
Ibe Accuses Presidency of Double Standards
Ibe further accused the Presidency of applying a double standard by citing Obasanjo’s criticism of Atiku while ignoring his endorsement of the ADC candidate.
He described the approach as disingenuous, arguing that a fair assessment of political history should take account of criticism, reconciliation, endorsements and changing political circumstances.
“Political disagreements, reconciliations and alliances are part of democratic politics. But selectively quoting past criticisms while deliberately ignoring subsequent endorsements, reconciliations and political developments is not an honest account of history. It is disingenuous,” he said.
Ibe added that Obasanjo’s comments should be considered in their broader political context rather than used selectively to attack Atiku.
“You cannot invoke Obasanjo as an authority when he criticises Atiku and suddenly develop selective amnesia when he endorses him,” he added.
Tinubu, Atiku Political Exchanges Intensify Ahead of 2027
The exchange highlights the intensifying political contest between the Tinubu administration and Atiku as political parties and opposition figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election, is now associated with the ADC as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.
The latest disagreement centres on the interpretation of Obasanjo’s past statements and whether his criticism of Atiku should be considered alongside his later endorsement.
While Ibe insists that the Presidency has presented a selective account of the former president’s position, his response underscores the growing role of past political statements, alliances and rivalries in the debate ahead of the 2027 polls.
The controversy is likely to remain part of the broader political exchanges as the ruling party and opposition figures seek to shape public opinion before the next presidential election.
This report reflects the allegations and statements attributed to Paul Ibe in the supplied account. The claims about selective quotation and political double standards are attributed to Ibe.