Former VP Atiku media
The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to commission a section of the Abuja–Kaduna highway from Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna instead of the project site.
In a statement posted on Sunday by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the opposition camp argued that the venue chosen for the commissioning had no direct connection to the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway. The statement also criticised what it described as the blending of official government functions with political campaign activities.
According to Ibe, the President commissioned the road from Ranchers Bees Stadium, the same venue where the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its presidential campaign flag-off.
He claimed that the campaign event was poorly received by some attendees, alleging that President Tinubu was greeted with chants of “Ba ma yi,” a Hausa expression which he said means “We reject it.”
The statement posed several questions to the Presidency, asking why the commissioning did not take place on the completed section of the highway.
“Mr President, when did Ranchers Bees Stadium become part of the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway corridor?” Ibe asked.
He added: “Why commission the highway from a campaign venue instead of visiting the completed section, inspecting the work and engaging with the Nigerians who use it?”
The Atiku aide also linked the choice of venue to concerns about the President’s ability to carry out the demands of office.
“This choice also raises questions about the President’s stamina and fitness for the demanding responsibilities of office. It also raises concerns about his state of health. Considering that the demanding work of goverance is not for the invalid, Nigerians are entitled to seek credible reassurance about the health and capacity of Tinubu to lead them for another four years.”
He further urged the Presidency to explain if security or logistical considerations influenced the decision.
“If there were security, logistical or other reasons for the arrangement, the Presidency should explain them. Citizens deserve answers, not insults for asking legitimate questions.”
The statement also criticised what it described as the use of a public infrastructure project for political purposes.
“There is also the troubling fusion of government business with party campaigning. A publicly funded highway belongs to ALL Nigerians. Its commissioning should not become a campaign accessory for Tinubu’s re-election.”
Calling for greater accountability, Ibe said: “Nigerians deserve a President who can meet the demands of office and a government willing to account for its performance.”
He concluded by insisting that the road itself, rather than a stadium ceremony, should be the focus of such an event.
“A stadium can accommodate the ceremony. Only the highway can demonstrate the delivery.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not officially responded to the claims raised by Atiku’s media aide.
The commissioning of the Abuja–Kaduna highway section came as President Tinubu officially flagged off the APC’s campaign for the 2027 presidential election in Kaduna, with the administration presenting infrastructure delivery as one of its major achievements. However, the latest comments from the opposition highlight the growing political exchanges ahead of the election campaign.
