A Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, has criticised former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, over comments questioning Atiku’s competence to govern Nigeria.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the Senate, had on Monday claimed that Atiku lacked the capacity to lead the country, arguing that his inability to stabilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) undermined his credibility.

In a statement on Tuesday, Shaibu described Oshiomhole’s remarks as “a tired distraction” aimed at diverting attention from what he called the APC’s “monumental failures” since coming to power.

Shaibu said Oshiomhole lacked the moral authority to assess Atiku’s leadership abilities, insisting that the APC under his influence oversaw the erosion of internal democracy and weaponisation of state institutions.

“If Oshiomhole seeks the man who turned a party into a personal empire, he needs only look at the godfather he serves,” Shaibu stated, adding that the former APC chairman “represents noise, propaganda, and the bruising legacy of a party that betrayed the hopes of millions.”

He argued that Atiku, as a former Vice President, had demonstrated clear vision and capacity, noting his role in steering economic reforms as chairman of the National Economic Council.

“Atiku Abubakar has never been President, yet his development blueprint remains the most coherent Nigeria has seen in decades,” Shaibu said.

He questioned Oshiomhole’s credibility to comment on leadership, asking: “If the APC could not fix Nigeria after eight years in power and nearly three years under President Bola Tinubu, what moral authority does Oshiomhole have to speak on governance?"