Former Special Adviser on Media to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, has alleged that people from Nigeria’s Southeast have thrown their support behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his presidential bid under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Onochie made the claim in a post shared on her 𝕏 account, where she referred to Atiku as Nigeria’s “incoming president” and expressed confidence that the Southeast would experience significant development if he eventually emerges as president.
According to her, the region would witness increased industrialisation and transformation under an Atiku-led administration. She also praised people from the Southeast for what she described as their continued efforts to maintain and deepen relationships with political figures and communities in Northern Nigeria.
Onochie suggested that the frequent trips by some Southeast residents to Abuja were part of broader efforts to build stronger ties between the region and the North.
She wrote:
“In case you have been wondering why or did not even know that Ndigbo have aligned with Atiku Abubakar, this is one of the reasons.
“Thank you to our people from the South East who, on a daily basis, come to Abuja to strengthen their friendship and Alliance with the North.
“If you don’t get it, think about it. Still, Igboland will be transformed and industrialised under our very own Incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mazi Atiku Abubakar.”
She concluded the post with hashtags expressing her support for Atiku’s anticipated presidential bid and a prayer for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Arise Television presenter Reuben Abati has criticised the concerns raised by Atiku Abubakar over President Bola Tinubu’s three-week holiday in Europe.
Atiku had earlier faulted Tinubu’s decision to embark on the trip, describing it as inappropriate amid the economic challenges facing Nigerians. The former vice president questioned the necessity of the president’s extended absence from the country at a time when citizens were grappling with rising hardship.
However, while speaking during an edition of Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Abati dismissed the criticism from Atiku’s camp.
The veteran journalist argued that some of the questions being raised about Tinubu’s trip were poorly considered and had become embarrassing because, in his view, they were not supported by adequate research.
Abati maintained that President Tinubu has the constitutional right to travel outside Nigeria and spend his vacation wherever he chooses.
He explained that the president’s absence would only become constitutionally problematic if it exceeded the period allowed without formally transferring presidential authority to the Vice President.
The comments have added another dimension to the ongoing political debate surrounding Tinubu’s vacation, Atiku’s opposition to the trip and the growing political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
