Atiku’s Aide Fires Back at Tinubu, Says ‘Political Refugees’ Are Gaining Momentum to Rescue Nigeria

Atiku’s Aide has fired back at Tinubu, Says ‘Political Refugees’ are gaining momentum to rescue Nigeria.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has hit back at President Bola Tinubu over his recent comments likening opposition figures to “political internally displaced persons (IDPs).”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Shaibu dismissed Tinubu’s remarks as “an attempt to downplay a growing political force,” insisting that the alliance forming between key political figures—including Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai—is focused on rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship and failed leadership.

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“They are political refugees only in form, not in influence. If anything, they have gained strength in exile,” Shaibu declared. “From Atiku to Obi, from Amaechi to El-Rufai, they are uniting not just to win, but to rescue.”

Taking aim at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Shaibu described the Tinubu-led administration as “a group of urban bandits” who secured power through manipulation rather than merit, and warned that rising hunger, insecurity, and economic collapse would fuel public rejection of the party in 2027.

“No amount of propaganda can cover hunger. No PR can spin poverty. Fuel is unaffordable, the naira has collapsed, and food prices have become a daily affliction,” he said.

Shaibu predicted a political reckoning at the next polls, especially among Nigerian youths who, according to him, felt betrayed by the conduct and outcome of the 2023 elections. He said that the opposition is learning from past mistakes and will return stronger, more united, and more strategic.

“The Urban Bandits may have mocked their hashtags, but they will soon learn that hashtags grow into hurricanes,” he warned.

Shaibu’s remarks come amid renewed political realignments and talks of a mega opposition coalition aimed at unseating the APC in the 2027 general elections.