‘Stepping Down Not Weakness’ – Atiku’s Aide Asks Tinubu To Resign

The media adviser to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, alleging that his administration has failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and improving citizens’ welfare.

Naija News understands that Ibe made the call on Tuesday during an interview on Arise News, where he argued that resignation should not be seen as weakness when a leader is unable to meet expectations.

“It’s not a sign of weakness for a leader to resign. It’s a patriotic act. Let me tell you why President Tinubu needs to resign. The primary responsibility of government is security and welfare. Are we more secure now than we were in 2023? The answer is no,” he said.

Responding to claims that the government was making progress in tackling insecurity, Ibe dismissed the argument, saying the administration’s efforts had fallen short.

He said the continued captivity of children and other victims in parts of the country showed that the government had failed to restore public confidence.

“Their best is just not good enough. I mean, we can’t continue on this journey of trial and error. The truth of the matter is that Tinubu is incompetent and he’s clueless. He came on board with no set skills. Nigeria is a very complex country, and to be able to govern this country, you need to be wired, you know, for that. He is not,” he said.

Ibe also criticised moves to introduce state police ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the timing as political, even though he said Atiku’s camp supports the concept in principle.

“What Atiku Abubakar will not do in an election year is to ramp up legislation for state police. I said that the last time I was here. That’s political. We support state police, but not at this time. Whatever, you know, shape or form it takes now, it is political,” he said.

The Atiku spokesman accused the government of failing to focus security resources on vulnerable communities.

He cited attacks and killings in Plateau, Benue, Oyo and Kogi states as evidence of worsening insecurity.

“Why don’t they focus on the critical issue? Why don’t they boost security in vulnerable communities? There are wastages that we have in the system,” he said.

Referring to a recent attack in Bokkos, Plateau State, he added, “About two dozen people or thereabouts have been killed, many more are in captivity. That’s in Plateau State. We’ve had that in Benue State, we have it in Oyo State, we have it in Kogi State. What are we talking about? This is enough evidence for the man to—for patriotic reasons, let him throw in the towel.”

On concerns that many Nigerians view both the ruling party and opposition figures as part of the same political establishment, Ibe said voters would decide whether Atiku had the competence and experience to lead Nigeria.

“It’s up to the Nigerians to make a determination as to whether Atiku Abubakar is competent enough, has the set skills to be able to govern Nigeria,” he said.

Ibe also dismissed reports that former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, gave conditions before accepting a running mate role.

He described the reports as media speculation, saying the party would make necessary announcements about its presidential ticket at the appropriate time.

“Those preconditions are manufactured in the media, they are a creation of the media for whatever reason. Everyone should just tarry a while,” he said.