Sunday Dare Accuses El-Rufai, Amaechi, and Other Critics of Stirring Unnecessary Tensions in Nigerian Politics
Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, has criticized the President’s political opponents, accusing them of “heating up the polity” unnecessarily.
Dare referred to the opposition as “wannabes” and claimed that they were attacking President Tinubu while he was in Tanzania working on solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges. Despite these attacks, Dare stated that Tinubu remains unaffected and is only focused on discussions aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians and fostering a strong, resilient economy.
This remark comes after Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, and Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, along with other opposition figures, openly criticized Tinubu’s administration. El-Rufai took aim at the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of abandoning its founding principles and fostering ineffective leadership.
“I no longer recognize the APC. There has been no meeting of any party organ for two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You wouldn’t even know if it’s a one-man or zero-man show,” El-Rufai said. He also criticized the quality of leadership emerging from political parties, blaming it on the election of unqualified delegates. “We can’t have illiterate, semi-illiterate, or manipulative leaders. This is why we end up with poor leadership,” he added.
Amaechi, speaking on the challenge of ousting a sitting president, also stated that the political class, including Tinubu, would not easily relinquish power to the younger generation.
In response, Dare took to his X handle on Monday, telling Tinubu’s critics to wait for the next election to test their popularity. He wrote, “While President Tinubu was in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, seeking solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges, his political opponents and detractors were busy spreading ill-will. The gathering they convened was just another opportunity to push the same tired opposition narrative. Some even crossed the line, suggesting undemocratic actions.”
Dare continued by urging Nigerians to carefully evaluate political figures early on and distinguish between those who create division and those who are committed to progress. He emphasized that President Tinubu remains focused on the work ahead and is undistracted by the opposition’s actions.
“The only conversation President Tinubu wants to have now is how to improve Nigerians’ lives and engage in constructive dialogue to build a resilient economy,” Dare added. “This is 2025, not 2027. Let those who want to challenge their popularity wait for the next election. President Tinubu is committed to leading Nigeria toward transformation.”
