Presidency Knocks Atiku Over Comparison of Tinubu’s Government With Military Rule
The Presidency has pushed back strongly against remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar suggesting that Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is more oppressive than during the years of military rule.
Atiku made the comment while addressing a political gathering organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he argued that the country’s current governance environment is harsher than what Nigerians experienced under past military regimes.
In a swift response, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described the statement as misleading and historically inaccurate, insisting that it does not reflect the realities of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Dare said Atiku’s ability to openly criticise the government undermines his own argument, noting that such freedoms were absent during military rule.
“Under the system he now labels as oppressive, Atiku Abubakar travels freely, attends political meetings, grants interviews, and criticises the President without intimidation,” Dare said. “These are freedoms that were simply not available under military governments, where dissent often led to detention, exile or worse.”
The Presidency argued that comparing an elected civilian administration with military dictatorship diminishes the experiences of Nigerians who suffered repression under past regimes. It warned that such comparisons risk distorting history and downplaying the sacrifices made to restore and sustain democratic rule.
Dare further suggested that Atiku’s remarks reflect lingering dissatisfaction over electoral losses, pointing out that the former vice president has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of democratic outcomes following his defeats in presidential elections.
According to the Presidency, criticism of government policies is legitimate in a democracy, but equating economic reforms or governance challenges with military authoritarianism crosses a dangerous line.
“To describe a government produced through the ballot as worse than one imposed by force of arms is reckless,” Dare said, adding that such rhetoric undermines the legacy of June 12 and the long struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The Presidency also questioned Atiku’s consistency in defending democratic values, citing his frequent movement between political parties as evidence of personal political ambition rather than principled commitment.
Political observers say comments of this nature, especially from senior political figures, have the potential to heighten public tension and weaken confidence in democratic institutions at a time when Nigeria is still working to consolidate civilian rule.
Atiku has not issued an official response to the Presidency’s rebuttal. However, the exchange has renewed public debate about political responsibility, historical accuracy, and the limits of political rhetoric in Nigeria’s democracy.
The Presidency maintained that Nigeria has moved beyond military rule and warned against narratives that blur the distinction between constitutional governance and authoritarianism, regardless of political disagreements.