Sunday Dare takes swipe at Amaechi, El-Rufai, labels them ‘pseudo friends’
By Jeffrey Agbo
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, has criticised political figures who have recently spoken against the president, labeling them as “wannabes” and “pseudo friends.”
Dare’s remarks come in response to comments made by former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) at a recent conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
At the event, El-Rufai accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of abandoning its founding principles and promoting poor leadership.
He later reiterated on X (formerly Twitter) that he would still criticise the APC even if he were part of Tinubu’s government.
Amaechi, however, warned that Tinubu and the political elite would not relinquish power to the younger generation without resistance.
Reacting on Saturday, Dare dismissed the criticisms as politically motivated, urging those opposing Tinubu to test their influence at the 2027 elections.
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“While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria was away in far away Dar es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, his political opponents, detractors, opposition elements, pseudo friends unfolded their Machiavellian inclinations,” Dare posted on X.
He described the conference as a gathering meant to “spread ill will,” accusing some participants of inciting undemocratic actions.
“These political gladiators have antecedents that are well known. We urge Nigerians to begin their scrutiny early. And choose between political hecklers and real progressives,” he added.
Dare emphasised that Tinubu remains focused on governance and national development, saying, “Until then, President Tinubu, an avowed democrat remains undistracted and unperturbed. The fight is ahead. Not now.”
 and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) at a recent){kind=link}