Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon any plans to seek re-election in 2027, arguing that the leadership crisis at the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) reflects deeper governance failures within the Federal Government.
Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, amid the ongoing dispute over the leadership of the federal agency.
The former vice president described the crisis as another example of what he called “serial governance blunders” by the Tinubu administration, saying the situation had damaged Nigeria’s image internationally and undermined confidence in government institutions.
According to Atiku, the controversy surrounding the BCDA has created the impression that official directives issued by the Federal Government are no longer respected or consistently enforced by public institutions. He argued that such developments raise concerns about discipline and coordination within the administration.
The ADC presidential candidate said the President should prioritise resolving the country’s governance challenges instead of focusing on political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election.
He maintained that Nigeria is facing pressing economic and administrative problems that require full presidential attention, adding that pursuing another term in office before addressing those issues would not serve the country’s best interests.
Atiku further stated that the BCDA leadership dispute has become a symbol of broader institutional weaknesses, insisting that the Federal Government must restore order, accountability and respect for lawful authority across public agencies.
He argued that continued crises within government institutions risk weakening public trust and creating uncertainty over the implementation of official decisions. According to him, effective governance depends on clear leadership, adherence to due process and consistent enforcement of government directives.
The former vice president also warned that repeated controversies involving federal institutions could affect Nigeria’s credibility among international partners and investors. He said governments are judged not only by policy announcements but also by their ability to implement decisions effectively and maintain institutional stability.
Atiku therefore urged President Tinubu to place what he described as the national interest above political ambition by concentrating on tackling the country’s immediate challenges rather than preparing for another presidential contest.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Presidency nor officials of the Border Communities Development Agency had publicly responded to Atiku’s latest comments.
The latest criticism adds to the increasingly heated political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. While President Tinubu has been endorsed by members of his party for a second-term bid, opposition leaders, including Atiku, have continued to question the administration’s handling of governance, the economy and public institutions.