“Anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for Nigeria” — Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned supporters of opposition figures against exchanging insults, warning that internal attacks only weaken the opposition and strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a post on X on Tuesday, Atiku said verbal attacks on either himself or Peter Obi undermine the interests of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition and Nigerians at large.

He described the growing hostility among supporters within the ADC as a “civil war” that benefits the APC, which he accused of exploiting disunity to retain power.

Atiku was responding to a post by an X user, Novie Everest, who alleged that Atiku’s supporters insult Obi while expecting Atiku to be spared criticism.

Addressing the claim, Atiku said supporters of all opposition leaders must act with restraint and a shared purpose.

“Anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for the leaders, the coalition ADC, or for Nigeria and Nigerians,” he wrote. “The only people who benefit from such a civil war are the APC urban bandits who want to maintain the satanic status quo. We are better together.”

Atiku and Obi are key figures within the ADC, an opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Supporters of both politicians have frequently clashed over who should emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate and running mate. The disagreements have included threats by some Obi supporters to withdraw support if he accepts a vice-presidential position.