The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that the Nigerian leader is 90 years old.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had reportedly made the allegation during an interview with the BBC, where he claimed to have evidence supporting his assertion about Tinubu’s age.

However, reacting to the claim, Ajayi described Atiku’s allegation as an indication of desperation in his bid to become Nigeria’s president.

According to the presidential aide, Atiku’s continued focus on Tinubu’s personal affairs was at odds with his earlier position that his campaign would be centred on issues affecting Nigerians.

“For former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, this is the last kick of a dying horse. He will stop at nothing in his desperation for the presidency of Nigeria. He is racing against time in his quest for the fulfilment of his marabouts’ prophecy,” Ajayi said.

Ajayi questioned why Atiku, who had previously said he intended to campaign on issues affecting Nigerians, had allegedly shifted attention to Tinubu’s personal life.

He said the former vice president was struggling to gain traction for his campaign and described the 90-year-old claim as ridiculous.

“We are at a loss as to why a man who said he wants to run his campaign on issues that affect the lives of Nigerians has reduced his chance of ever realising his elusive ambition to the personal life of President Tinubu.”

The presidential aide added:

“It is ridiculous to claim President Tinubu is 90 years old. Alhaji Atiku wakes up every day to say whatever comes to his mouth with the hope that his failing campaign will gain traction.”

Ajayi Links Age Claim to Fuel Subsidy Debate

Ajayi also accused Atiku of resorting to personal attacks on Tinubu after allegedly failing to convince Nigerians about his position on fuel subsidy.

He claimed that Atiku had been inconsistent in his position on the policy, accusing him of “incoherent and flip-flopping” positions while attempting to explain his proposal on fuel subsidy.

“When he could not convince Nigerians of the soundness and workability of his new fuel subsidy prescription, the only way he hopes to remain in the news cycle and keep his floundering campaign alive is to increase the volume of personal attacks on the president,” Ajayi said.

The presidential aide further challenged Atiku to take his claim about Tinubu’s age to court and present whatever evidence he claimed to possess.

“Let him go to court to present the evidence that President Tinubu is 90 years old.”

Ajayi also referenced Atiku’s previous legal challenges involving Tinubu, claiming that the former vice president had been unsuccessful in cases pursued in both Nigeria and the United States during the last election cycle.

“He has failed everywhere against President Tinubu, moving from court to court. He failed in his numerous court cases against President Tinubu in the United States and Nigeria in the last election cycle. He will fail again this time around,” he stated.

The exchange comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu expected to seek a second term and Atiku emerging as one of the major opposition figures challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).