The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his description of the 2027 political contest as a competition with “thieves”, saying the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) lacked the moral standing to make such accusations.
Atiku made the remark in a video shared on his social media platform, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the pro-Tinubu group described Atiku’s comment as “utterly laughable”, arguing that his political record was inseparable from controversies surrounding his eight years as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“It is indeed utterly laughable that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar could unabashedly call anyone in government names after what Nigerians know about his time in office,” the group said.
TMSG also linked Atiku’s renewed criticism of President Bola Tinubu to his long-standing ambition to become president, noting that the 2027 election would represent his sixth presidential attempt.
The group recalled Atiku’s criticism of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 election, when he contested against Buhari, and predicted that he would suffer a similar defeat in 2027.
TMSG cited allegations contained in former President Obasanjo’s memoir, My Watch, in which Obasanjo criticised Atiku over alleged corruption, disloyalty, poor judgment and placing personal interests ahead of national interest.
The group noted that Atiku did not institute a defamation action against Obasanjo over the allegations, but maintained that he had never been convicted of corruption.
It also referenced a 2010 United States congressional report on foreign corruption, which it said examined financial transactions involving Atiku and his then-wife, Jennifer Douglas Abubakar.
According to TMSG, the report raised questions about more than $40 million in “suspect or offshore funds” allegedly channelled into the United States through accounts linked to Douglas Abubakar between 2000 and 2008.
The group further cited allegations raised by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in 2008 concerning payments allegedly made by Siemens to Douglas Abubakar in connection with government contracts.
The allegations were disputed, with Douglas Abubakar denying any wrongdoing.
TMSG also referred to a Nigerian Senate committee report which, according to the group, accused Atiku of diverting $145 million belonging to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund and recommended sanctions and prosecution.
Atiku has consistently denied corruption allegations against him and has not been convicted of corruption.
The group also criticised Atiku’s role as chairman of the National Council on Privatisation during his tenure as vice president.
It alleged that some public assets were sold at prices it considered too low, adding that the controversies surrounding his political past weakened his credibility to accuse others of corruption.
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“We are convinced that the former Vice President has so much baggage bordering on corruption allegations to be sauntering around, accusing others of things he is liable for,” TMSG said.
The group maintained that Atiku’s criticisms would not determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
It urged Nigerians to assess the records, credibility and policy positions of political actors as the country approaches the next general election.
TMSG said the ultimate decision would rest with Nigerian voters, who would determine the political direction of the country in 2027.
