The political camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday issued a sharp rebuttal to comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, accusing the former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman of using “noise” to distract from the ruling party’s alleged failures.
Oshiomhole had criticised Atiku following his formal registration with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the former vice president as a habitual defector. In response, Atiku’s team insisted that Oshiomhole lacked the moral credibility to question Atiku’s political choices.
In a statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, the team said Oshiomhole should “look in the mirror before speaking,” alleging that he was attempting to divert public attention from what they termed the APC’s “monumental failures.”
Shaibu argued that the APC had plunged the country into one of its most difficult periods in recent history, noting that Oshiomhole was part of the political machinery that brought the party to power.
Describing Oshiomhole’s comments as “a tired distraction,” the statement maintained that Atiku, during his time as vice president, operated within democratic structures and did not control the PDP as a personal fiefdom. It contrasted this with what it described as the APC’s centralised decision-making style.
The statement further claimed that under the APC, party discipline was weakened, dissent was suppressed, and institutions of state were allegedly used for partisan purposes.
Defending Atiku’s record, Shaibu highlighted his role as chairman of the National Economic Council, crediting him with strengthening investor confidence, supporting private sector reforms, and contributing to economic restructuring efforts. He added that Atiku’s development blueprint remained one of the most coherent proposals in recent years.
Turning his criticism toward Oshiomhole, Shaibu questioned the APC’s performance after eight years in power and its trajectory under the current administration, arguing that the party lacked the moral standing to lecture others on leadership.
He concluded by contrasting Atiku’s “vision and experience” with what he described as the APC’s “propaganda-driven governance,” stating that Oshiomhole should refrain from further commentary.
