Odih's Outburst Reflects Panic, Not Politics: ADC Diaspora Deputy Coordinator, Daniel Akeni, Defends Atiku's Accountability Campaign

BERLIN, GERMANY – The Diaspora Deputy Coordinator of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Daniel Akeni, has strongly condemned recent remarks by Hon. Rowland Odih, describing the attacks on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a desperate attempt to shield the current administration from legitimate democratic scrutiny.

Responding to the statement issued by the media office of The Bridge for Renewed Hope, Hon. Akeni maintained that Atiku Abubakar's consistent criticism of the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is neither an "obsessive focus" nor a political distraction, but rather the constitutional and moral responsibility of a credible opposition leader in any functioning democracy.

"To suggest that criticizing a sitting president reflects a lack of campaign ideas demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of democratic governance," Akeni said.

"His Excellency Atiku Abubakar is not obsessed with personalities; he is deeply concerned about the economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians under the current administration's policy direction. Holding the government accountable is the primary responsibility of the opposition."

Akeni further stated that Atiku Abubakar's political vision is not one that needs to be manufactured ahead of the next election. According to him, it is founded on a tested blueprint focused on economic revitalization, private sector-driven growth, institutional reforms, and comprehensive national restructuring.

He recalled that as Nigeria's former Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council, Atiku played a pivotal role during a period widely regarded for significant economic reforms and sustained growth.

"Atiku offers practical and experience-driven alternatives to the economic hardship currently confronting Nigerians," Akeni added. "At a time of rising inflation, declining purchasing power, and growing uncertainty, Nigerians deserve serious policy debates rather than attempts to silence opposition voices."

The ADC Diaspora Deputy Coordinator urged pro-government groups to embrace constructive criticism instead of calling for the political retirement of respected national figures. He stressed that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are evaluating the performance of the current administration based on measurable outcomes, including economic stability, security, infrastructure delivery, job creation, and the overall cost of living—not political rhetoric.

"True patriotism does not mean remaining silent in the face of hardship," Akeni stated. "A responsible opposition strengthens democracy by identifying policy failures and proposing credible alternatives. Rather than displaying anxiety over the opposition's preparations for 2027, supporters of the ruling party should focus on delivering tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians."

He reaffirmed the commitment of the ADC Diaspora Wing to promoting issue-based politics, democratic accountability, transparency, and sustainable economic policies that place the welfare of Nigerians above partisan interests.