Ayobami Oyalowo Questions Atiku’s Presidential Ambition, Says He Has Little To Offer Nigerians At Nearly 80
According to Ayobami Oyalowo on Arise TV on Saturday, October 17, 2026, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spent many years pursuing Nigeria’s presidency without success, questioning what the former presidential candidate could offer Nigerians if elected at nearly 80 years old.
Oyalowo, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, criticised Atiku’s political ambitions and his record in government, arguing that his previous experience had not demonstrated the leadership qualities needed to lead the country.
He described Atiku as an ageing politician who had repeatedly sought the presidency over the years.
This is his eighth time running for president. As my vice-president said, and I completely agree with him, Atiku is not Abraham Lincoln; he is more of an ageing politician who has been campaigning to become president since I was an undergraduate,” Oyalowo said.
The APC spokesperson used his children’s educational progress to illustrate how long Atiku had remained in pursuit of the presidency.
“My first daughter is almost graduating, and my other child is already at university, yet he is still campaigning to become president,” he stated.
Oyalowo also questioned what Atiku could offer Nigerians at his current age, considering his years of involvement in the country’s political leadership.
“At nearly 80 years old, what exactly does he have to offer that he has not already done?” he asked.
The APC chieftain further criticised Atiku’s record as vice-president, a position he held from 1999 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He specifically raised concerns about the privatisation of public enterprises associated with Atiku’s time in office, arguing that several of the affected organisations failed to perform as expected.
“He was vice-president for eight years, and we saw the areas he touched in terms of privatisation of public utilities. None of the utilities Atiku privatised is working today, from ASCON to NITEL, Nigeria Airways and other areas,” Oyalowo said.
“Everything he privatised collapsed. Why? Because he does not understand how to run things,” he added.
Oyalowo also referred to criticisms attributed to Atiku’s former boss, Obasanjo, concerning the former vice-president’s judgment.
“His former boss said he had a penchant for poor judgment, and Atiku makes poor judgments every time,” he stated.
He went on to cite a controversial business decision involving the purchase of petrol units in Abuja, although his remarks did not provide further details about the transaction.
The comments reflect the growing political exchanges between the ruling APC and opposition figures as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue. Atiku’s political record and presidential ambitions remain subjects of debate among supporters and critics.
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