NEWS
’‘Last Kick of a Dying Horse“ — Presidency Fires Back at Atiku Over Claim Tinubu Is 90
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has strongly dismissed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that the President is 90 years old, describing the allegation as a desperate political move aimed at keeping the opposition figure’s presidential ambition alive.
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, reacted to comments made by Atiku during a BBC interview, where the former vice-president alleged that Tinubu is 90 years old.
Atiku reportedly maintained that he possessed evidence to support the claim and indicated that he would present the evidence before a court.
The allegation has since generated political reactions, with the Presidency questioning the basis and motivation behind Atiku’s claim. Ajayi, speaking with Saturday Tribune on Friday, described the development as part of what he characterised as Atiku’s increasingly desperate efforts to position himself for another presidential bid.
“For former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, this is the last kick of a dying horse. He will stop at nothing in his desperation for the presidency of Nigeria. He is racing against time in his quest for the fulfilment of his marabouts’ prophecy,“ he said.
Ajayi also took aim at what he described as Atiku’s decision to focus on Tinubu’s personal life rather than issues affecting Nigerians.
According to the presidential aide, Atiku’s alleged intention to campaign on issues of national importance does not appear consistent with his recent comments about the President’s age.
“We are at a loss as to why a man who said he wants to run his campaign on issues that affect the lives of Nigerians has reduced his chance of ever realising his elusive ambition to the personal life of President Tinubu,“ the presidential aide said.
Ajayi further dismissed the age allegation as unfounded, arguing that Atiku’s comments were part of an attempt to attract public attention to a campaign he claimed was losing momentum.
“It is ridiculous to claim President Tinubu is 90 years old. Alhaji Atiku wakes up every day to just say whatever comes to his mouth with the hope that his failing campaign will gain traction.“
The presidential aide also linked Atiku’s latest comments to the former vice-president’s position on fuel subsidy, accusing him of changing positions on policy matters.
Ajayi alleged that Atiku had become “incoherent and flip-flopping on policy issues” while attempting to explain his proposal regarding the possible restoration of fuel subsidy.
He argued that after failing to convince Nigerians about the viability of his fuel subsidy position, Atiku had allegedly resorted to personal criticism of the President to remain in the news.
“When he could not convince Nigerians of the soundness and workability of his new fuel subsidy prescription, the only way he hopes to remain in the news cycle and keep his floundering campaign alive is to increase the volume of personal attacks on the president,“ Ajayi said.
Ajayi challenged Atiku to take his allegation to court if he genuinely possessed evidence establishing that President Tinubu is 90 years old.
The presidential aide also referenced Atiku’s previous legal battles surrounding Tinubu, arguing that the former vice-president had unsuccessfully pursued several cases against the President in both Nigeria and the United States.
“Let him go to court to present the evidence that President Tinubu is 90 years old. He has failed everywhere against President Tinubu, moving from court to court. He failed in his numerous court cases against President Tinubu in the United States and Nigeria in the last election cycle. He will fail again this time around.”“
The latest exchange adds another layer to the growing political confrontation between supporters of President Tinubu and Atiku as Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts towards the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, a former vice-president and longtime presidential contender, has continued to feature prominently in discussions about the opposition’s plans ahead of the next election, while the Tinubu administration has repeatedly defended the President against criticisms from opposition figures.
Ajayi’s response suggests that the Presidency intends to vigorously challenge claims about Tinubu’s personal background while also keeping attention focused on policy and governance issues as political activities ahead of 2027 intensify.