PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Responds to Atiku Over Tinubu’s Vacation Remarks

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-to-Door Movement 2027 has faulted former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar for criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his ongoing vacation abroad, describing the critique as an attempt to turn a routine presidential vacation into a political controversy.

The movement stated that taking a vacation is a normal part of leaders’ responsibilities worldwide, emphasizing that the President’s temporary absence does not create a leadership vacuum.

In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku FIMC, CMC, and shared with journalists in Kaduna on Sunday, the group urged Atiku to focus on presenting his political program to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections instead of attacking the President over his vacation.

The movement described Atiku as a “serial presidential contender without direction,” arguing that after multiple attempts since 1993 to become President, Nigerians deserve to know the specific plan he has for the country’s future.

It also accused the former Vice President of inconsistency regarding the petrol subsidy, recalling that Atiku campaigned in 2023 on a promise to remove the fuel subsidy but is now discussing restoring it.

The group suggested that this inconsistency is an attempt to exploit Nigerians’ hardships for political gain.

“After contesting for the presidency repeatedly since 1993, Atiku should be telling Nigerians what he plans to do differently, rather than spending time attacking President Tinubu.

In 2023, he promised to remove fuel subsidy. Now he’s talking about bringing it back. Nigerians need to know if this is a genuine policy stance or just a tactic to mislead them into thinking he has changed his position,” the statement said.

The movement reminded Atiku that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already begun preparations for the 2027 elections, urging him to campaign actively and share his plans for the economy, security, employment, and other national issues.

It added, “INEC has released the timetable. Atiku should go out and campaign, informing Nigerians of his proposals. Criticizing President Tinubu for being on vacation will not achieve anything.

Presidents and world leaders often take vacations. A vacation does not mean the government has been abandoned. Nigeria has functional institutions and officials responsible for ensuring that government activities continue smoothly.”

The movement called on Nigerians to evaluate President Tinubu based on his policies and performance rather than political rhetoric. It challenged opposition politicians to offer credible alternatives rather than using the country’s challenges for electoral advantage.