As nationwide protests against the proposed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Electoral Reform Bill intensified on Monday, attention on social media shifted to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with many Nigerians questioning his silence amid demonstrations at the National Assembly in Abuja.
While former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi joined protesters at the National Assembly, several users on X criticized Atiku and other opposition figures for failing to publicly support the agitation.
Numerous posts queried Atiku’s absence, with users warning that political ambitions would not succeed without popular backing. One commentator wrote that Nigerians would be watching closely and vowed that “nobody will stroll to Aso Rock.”
Others expanded the criticism to include prominent political figures such as Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, Emeka Ihedioha, and Rauf Aregbesola, questioning their silence on the issue.
Some commentators also raised questions about Atiku’s stance on the proposed electoral reforms, particularly amid reports linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). They suggested that his position might be influenced by personal political calculations.
Several users contrasted Atiku’s silence with Peter Obi’s appearance at the protest, describing Obi’s presence as a show of solidarity with citizens opposing the bill.
Attention was further drawn to Atiku’s recent social media activity. His last post on X, shared two days earlier, showed him in Saudi Arabia hosting former First Lady Hajiya Aisha Buhari and her family during their Umrah visit. Atiku said in the post that he was “honored” to receive them.
Reacting to this, some users questioned Atiku’s commitment to opposition politics, while others mocked his absence from the protest, suggesting he was detached from grassroots concerns.
Calls also emerged for Atiku to physically join the protesters, with critics arguing that his failure to do so reflected weak opposition leadership.
See reactions by Nigerians on X:
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 chills in 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, @thieveseverywhere, said: “Call Atiku and make him show face for the protest. If he’s a 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.
