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Amid the nationwide protests against the proposed Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Electoral Reform Bill held on Monday, Nigerians on social media have turned their attention to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his silence as demonstrations intensify at the National Assembly in Abuja.
While former presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi joined protesters at the National Assembly on Monday, many X users openly criticised Atiku and other opposition figures for failing to show public support for the agitation.
Several posts queried Atiku’s absence from the protests, with one user @asiwaju gbobaniyi adenola saying
“Where is Atiku Abubakar? We will be watching. Nobody will stroll to Aso Rock by God’s special grace. We will make sure it does not happen.”
Another user broadened the criticism to include other political heavyweights, asking:
“I ask again, where is Atiku, Amaechi, Tambuwal, David Mark, El-Rufai, Emeke Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola?”
Furthermore some commentators questioned Atiku’s position on the proposed electoral changes, especially amid reports linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). One post read: “Where is @atiku? Or he’s not going to be affected by the Electoral Act if he wins the ADC ticket???”
Others contrasted his silence with Peter Obi’s presence at the protest.
“Mr Peter Obi joins the ongoing protest at the National Assembly in Abuja over the INEC Electoral Reform Bill. Now where is Atiku and the likes??” a user asked.
Attention was also drawn to Atiku’s recent social media activity. His X post, made two days ago, showed him in Saudi Arabia hosting former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and her family during their Umrah visit. In the post, Atiku wrote that he was “honoured” to receive them in the Kingdom.
Reacting to the post, a user @timeless commented: “The last X post from Atiku was from two days ago. He was in Saudi hosting Buhari’s wife and family. He doesn’t even take his ambition seriously?”
Another post took a more mocking tone by a user @chinedu Joseph; “Where is Atiku?? That man just dey chill for Saudi or Dubai. He’s not a worthy opposition at all.”
Calls for Atiku to physically show up at the protest also surfaced. Another user @thieves everywhere said, “Call Atiku make e show face for the protest. If na delegate now, he’ll be there before everyone.”
A user @Governor of Africa X reacted, “Atiku isn’t fit to be an opposition leader. He can’t even lead a protest. He’s showing big man.”
