The Digest:
The Presidency has taunted former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri's defection to the APC, suggesting he consider retiring from politics and relocating to his "second home in Dubai." Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Fintiri's move "took away Atiku's entire home base" to President Tinubu's party, dealing a "big blow" to Atiku's presidential ambition. Onanuga argued: "If a politician is not so popular at home, he has no business selling his candidacy to outsiders." He described Fintiri's defection as making APC a "juggernaut" in Adamawa, with all cabinet members, lawmakers, and PDP officials moving with the governor. Onanuga concluded: "The time is nigh for Atiku to consider retiring from politics and going to his second home in Dubai."
KEY POINTS
- The taunt aims to undermine Atiku's political relevance ahead of 2027.
- It capitalises on Fintiri's defection to question Atiku's home-state support.
- APC gains psychological advantage, while Atiku faces humiliation.
- This signals the ruling party's aggressive messaging against opposition.
- The timing, immediately after defection, maximises political impact.
Sources: Daily Trust, Bayo Onanuga/Social Media
