Abuja – The Presidency has launched a sharp critique against leading opposition figures, attributing their alleged political maneuvering to desperation triggered by the visible successes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, asserted that the opposition is struggling to maintain relevance as the President's reform agenda continues to yield positive results, leaving critics "sweating" in their attempts to undermine the government's progress.
Dare's comments were made in response to a viral Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated video that satirically depicts former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP)—both 2023 presidential candidates—reacting with frustration and dismay to a presentation highlighting Tinubu's economic achievements.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows AI versions of Atiku and Obi in a mock meeting, wiping sweat from their brows while expressing disbelief over indicators such as increased government revenue, improved tax-to-GDP ratios, stronger foreign reserves, major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and rail expansions, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), expanded social safety nets, local government autonomy, and trade surpluses. In the clip, the figures lament phrases like "that's strong fiscal control," "Surplus, again?" "These are real visible projects," and "If this is performance then our ambition just died," underscoring the satirical narrative of opposition distress over the administration's scorecard.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Dare wrote: “It is Hard to fight Results. The opposition sweating it out. As President TINUBU’S scorecard makes them sweat.” He further dismissed any potential 2027 presidential bids by Atiku and Obi, stating that their ambitions are “dead on arrival. DOA.”
The presidential aide suggested that the AI video exemplifies the opposition's futile efforts to regain traction, emphasizing that no amount of "political maneuvering" can overshadow the tangible impacts of the current government's policies on Nigeria's economy and development.
Dare's remarks come amid ongoing political discourse as the nation looks ahead to the 2027 general elections. President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has focused on bold economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, currency unification, and investments in infrastructure and social programmes, which the administration claims are driving growth despite initial hardships.
Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi has publicly responded to Dare's statements or the viral video as of the time of this report. However, opposition voices have previously criticised the Tinubu administration for economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, arguing that the reforms have not yet translated into widespread relief for ordinary Nigerians.
The exchange highlights the intensifying political rhetoric in Nigeria, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) positioning Tinubu's tenure as one of undeniable progress, while opposition parties seek to rally support by pointing to perceived shortcomings.
As the video continues to gain traction online, it has sparked mixed reactions—some viewing it as clever political satire, others dismissing it as propaganda. The Presidency's response underscores its confidence in the administration's trajectory, setting the stage for what promises to be a contentious lead-up to the next electoral cycle.
