Atiku Warns Supporters Against Attacks on Obi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has warned supporters of opposition figures to stop trading insults, saying internal attacks only strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a post on X on Tuesday, Atiku said anyone who insults either him or former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi does not have the interest of Nigerians or the opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at heart.

He described the growing hostility among supporters of ADC leaders as a “civil war” that benefits the APC, which he accused of seeking to preserve what he called a “satanic status quo.”

Atiku’s comments were in response to a post by X user Novie Everest, who accused Atiku’s supporters of attacking Obi while expecting the former vice-president to be immune from criticism.

“Atiku’s people want to insult Peter Obi without Atiku getting the heat back. Maybe they feel Atiku deserves respect and Peter Obi does not,” the user wrote.

Responding, Atiku stressed that unity among opposition supporters was crucial to achieving political change.

“Dear Everest, anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for the leaders, the coalition ADC and for Nigeria and Nigerians,” he wrote.

“The only people who benefit from such a civil war are the APC urban bandits who want to maintain the satanic status quo. We are better together,” he added.

Atiku and Obi are both members of the ADC, an opposition coalition positioning itself to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Supporters of the two politicians have frequently clashed online over who should emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate and running mate, with some Obi supporters warning they would withdraw support if he accepts a vice-presidential slot.