Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has implored supporters of opposition figures to desist from personal attacks, saying such conduct only advances the interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a post shared on X on Tuesday, Atiku said anyone directing insults at Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, or at himself does not genuinely represent the interests of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He described internal hostility among ADC supporters as a damaging “civil war” that benefits what he called “urban bandits” within the APC who are determined to sustain a “satanic status quo”.
Atiku was responding to a post by Novie Everest, who alleged that some of his supporters routinely attack Obi while expecting Atiku to be immune from criticism.
“Atiku’s people want to insult Peter Obi without Atiku getting the heat back. Maybe they feel Atiku deserves respect and Peter Obi does not,” the X user wrote.
Reacting, Atiku insisted that opposition supporters must act with unity if their collective goal is to effect political change.
“Dear Everest, Anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for the leaders, the Coalition ADC and for Nigeria and Nigerians. 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 said.
Atiku and Obi are both prominent figures within the ADC, a coalition positioning itself to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Tensions have persisted among their supporters over the party’s future presidential ticket and possible running-mate arrangements.
Some Obi supporters have publicly warned that they would withdraw backing should he accept a vice-presidential role within the coalition.