Political analyst, philosopher and author, Dr Peter Anosike, has accused the Presidency of sidestepping substantive questions surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s past United States legal issues, while dismissing allegations of ethnic bias against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as politically motivated.
Speaking on VOP TV’s Political Lens, Dr Anosike said the recent exchanges between the Presidency and Atiku’s media camp, as well as tensions within the opposition coalition, reflect growing political anxiety ahead of the 2027 general election.
The comments follow recent exchanges between the Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over petitions reportedly filed in the United States concerning President Bola Tinubu’s 1993 civil forfeiture case, as well as allegations by former SGF Babachir Lawal that Atiku favours Fulani interests in Adamawa politics.
Presidency accused of avoiding key issues
Reacting to the controversy over petitions reportedly filed by Atiku’s US lobbying team concerning President Tinubu’s 1993 civil forfeiture case, Dr Anosike criticised Presidential spokesman Mr Bayo Onanuga for attacking personalities instead of addressing the issues raised.
“What is at work here is a pattern. Bayo Onanuga was not addressing the substance of the issue. Focus should be on the message, not the messenger. Was there a forfeiture done, and for what purpose? You cannot just say someone lacks the moral right to criticise when legitimate questions are asked,” Dr Anosike said.
He noted that while the Presidency described Mr Atiku’s petitions as an attempt to internationalise Nigeria’s domestic politics, questions surrounding the matter deserved factual responses rather than personal attacks.
Dr Anosike also argued that if Mr Atiku had committed any prosecutable offence during his time in government, previous administrations, particularly that of former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, would have taken legal action.
Rejects Babachir’s allegations
The analyst also dismissed comments by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who recently urged Nigerians not to support Atiku in 2027, alleging that the former vice president favours Fulani interests in the political affairs of Adamawa State.
According to Dr Anosike, Mr Lawal’s criticism stemmed more from local political interests than genuine national concerns.
“Babachir is fighting for his own personal political interest because the candidate they want to replace happens to be his ally. Atiku operates with a businessman’s mindset. A true businessman doesn’t care about ethnicity; all he cares about is results,” he said.
Defections driven by fear
Commenting on the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Anosike agreed with concerns previously expressed by New Nigeria Peoples Party leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, that many politicians were switching allegiance out of fear rather than conviction.
“A lot of these defections are not voluntary. Governors are defecting because of the fear of losing their tickets or being targeted by anti-graft agencies. They believe votes will be written rather than counted,” he stated.
Background
The remarks come amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, as opposition parties intensify consultations and coalition-building efforts to challenge the ruling APC.
Recent disagreements over party nominations, defections, and renewed debates surrounding the past records of leading political figures have continued to shape Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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