Born Oct 26th in the town of Iyakpi in South Ibie Clan of Etsako West of Edo State. Educated in the University of Benin (1982-1986) CMS Grammar School, Lagos.
Atiku’s Age Claim Against Tinubu Sparks Political Firestorm | By Oyakhamoh Y. Carl Abu’Bakar
Nigeria’s political stage was thrown into turmoil this week after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is 90 years old. The claim, made during a public appearance, has ignited fierce debate, drawing sharp rebuttals from government officials and allies of the president.
Atiku did not mince words: “Tinubu is 90 years old, and I will prove it in court,” he declared, promising to present evidence to substantiate his claim. He brushed aside concerns about his own age, insisting: “I am fit, and I will contest in 2027.” The remarks were provocative and strategically timed, as opposition parties continue to grapple with coalition-building ahead of the next election.
The allegation was swiftly challenged by Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate. He dismissed Atiku’s statement as baseless, pointing to a 1996 photograph of Tinubu as proof that the president could not possibly be 90 years old. “This is not about age; it is about issues. Nigerians want solutions, not personal attacks,” Omokri said, urging politicians to focus on economic hardship and insecurity rather than trading insults.
The Presidency also weighed in, particularly on Atiku’s pledge to “open the borders.” Officials clarified that Nigeria’s land borders were reopened in 2024, but emphasised that border management requires controls to prevent terrorism, smuggling, and organized crime. “The borders are open, but they are managed. We cannot allow criminals to exploit our openness,” a presidential spokesperson stated, accusing Atiku of misrepresenting facts for political gain.
Economic Fault Lines
Fuel subsidy removal remains a flashpoint in Nigerian politics, and Atiku seized on it to criticise Tinubu’s administration. He argued that the government’s compressed natural gas (CNG) program was inadequate, covering less than 1% of vehicles nationwide. “This policy is a failure. Nigerians are suffering, and I will restore subsidies if elected,” Atiku promised, portraying Tinubu’s reforms as insufficient to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.
Opposition Dynamics
Beyond policy disputes, Atiku defended his role in forming an opposition coalition, denying claims that he was obstructing unity. “I am not an obstacle. I am a bridge. Cooperation among opposition figures is possible before 2027,” he said, signalling his intent to remain a pivotal player in shaping the opposition’s electoral strategy.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) explained its delay in unveiling a campaign council, attributing it to ongoing consultations rather than financial constraints. “We are consulting widely. This is not about money; it is about building consensus,” an ADC official clarified, highlighting the broader challenges opposition parties face in organising ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku’s claim about Tinubu’s age may lack substantiation, but it underscores the intensifying rhetoric as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. The controversy has spotlighted three critical themes:
Credibility in Leadership: Allegations about age and fitness reflect deeper concerns about transparency and trust in political figures.
Policy Disputes: Fuel subsidies and border management remain contentious, with competing visions for Nigeria’s economic and security future.
Opposition Strategy: Coalition-building and campaign readiness will determine whether opposition parties can mount a credible challenge to the ruling administration.
Undoubtedly, Atiku’s remarks have injected fresh drama into Nigeria’s political discourse, forcing both the Presidency and Tinubu's allies to respond vigorously. Whether his claims hold up in court remains to be seen, but the episode has already reshaped the narrative heading into 2027, blending personal controversy with pressing national debates.
Fayose vs Obedients: I was also arrested because of Peter Obi and he did nothing. He is too selfish. It was Sowore that rescued me — Media Personality Bro Mike backs Isaac Fayose
🎥:@brodamike1
Disturbing video showing a Mozambican immigrant destroying equipment in her salon after allegedly being asked to forcefully surrender the shop to a South African. 😳💔
@abdullahayofel This man is really a social media president. So he just listen to Fayose and ran there to be relevant. Chai, the man needs a spokesman. At least let the Obidients movement hire one for him since e no dey give ahishi.
Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammed Sanusi, asks the salient question; why is the socioeconomic descripancy between the Southwest and the North expanding? Is Islam responsible for the phenomenon or governance?
@CrownprinceCom2 If you read the Book "Paradise Lost" by Milton, you won't have problem recognizing this scene as depicting a riotous session in a hell named Pandemonium
@renoomokri@davido Being a celebrity has not removed most Nigerian "celebrities" from their ignorance of remarketing their country, least of all Davido.