The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, arguing that he lacks the mandate to speak authoritatively on behalf of Nigerians.
The Pro-Tinubu group was reacting to Atiku’s questioning of Tinubu’s decision to limit his campaign rallies to 12 states to allow him more time to focus on governance.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG
described Atiku’s criticism as unnecessary, alleging that the former vice president’s focus on Tinubu had become an obsession that offered little electoral value to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Like many Nigerians, we were not surprised that the former Vice President was quick to respond to President Bola Tinubu’s campaign schedule, limiting him to campaign rallies in 12 states to give him more time for governance,” the statement said.
The group also faulted Atiku’s claim that Tinubu was reluctant to engage directly with Nigerians on his administration’s performance, insisting that the President had remained accountable to citizens throughout his time in office.
TMSG argued that Tinubu’s decision to limit his participation in campaign rallies was intended to enable him to balance political activities with governance, adding that the opposition would have criticised him for neglecting governance had he opted to attend all rallies.
The group further defended Tinubu’s record, citing economic reforms, student loans, tax reliefs for low income earners and small businesses, free Caesarean sections and dialysis services in selected hospitals.
It also highlighted the payment of N21 billion in severance benefits to former Nigeria Airways workers, describing the development as a long overdue intervention for beneficiaries who had waited more than two decades for their entitlements.
According to TMSG, beneficiaries of these programmes and other government interventions would be able to assess the administration’s performance for themselves, without relying on Atiku or his media team to determine their political choices.
The group also criticised Atiku’s reported proposal to restore fuel subsidies, arguing that the opposition had yet to provide sufficient details of its proposed production subsidy initiative.
“Rather than pontificate on Tinubu’s campaign strategy, we think he should pay more attention to his troubled campaign, which is anchored on a hazy plan to restore fuel subsidy,” TMSG said.
The group maintained that Tinubu’s policies had stabilised the economy and placed the country on a path of growth, expressing confidence in the administration’s prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The statement forms part of the growing political exchanges between supporters of the President and opposition figures as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
