According to reports, Lere Olayinka, media aide to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is more than 90 years old.
The dispute over Tinubu’s age has resurfaced as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku, who is reportedly the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that Tinubu is over 90 and said he possesses evidence that could substantiate the claim in court.
The allegation has generated reactions from supporters of the president and opposition figures, with the issue becoming another source of political controversy between rival camps.
Commenting on the matter during a television programme, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, co-anchor of Journalists Hangout and Director of News and Current Affairs at TVC, questioned the credibility of the claim by drawing comparisons with the late businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola.
Kolade-Otitoju noted that Abiola would have been 89 years old if he were alive today. He argued that this made it difficult for him to accept the assertion that Tinubu is older than the late politician.
“MKO Abiola, if he were alive, he would be 89 today. So Atiku wants me to believe that Tinubu is older than MKO Abiola,” Kolade-Otitoju said.
The journalist went further by comparing Abiola’s age with that of his own father. He explained that his father and Abiola were born in the same year, making Atiku’s claim about Tinubu’s age even more difficult for him to accept.
“MKO Abiola and my dad were born the same year, so Atiku wants me to believe that Bola Tinubu is older than my dad. There’s no way. It’s ridiculous,” he added.
Olayinka subsequently reacted to the journalist’s comments on social media, using the opportunity to criticise Atiku’s political record and his allegation concerning the president’s age.
“Atiku has been consistent in contesting and losing. He has now added LYING to his profile,” Olayinka wrote.
The exchange has added another layer to the ongoing political dispute surrounding Tinubu’s age, with the issue increasingly featuring in arguments between supporters of the ruling administration and opposition politicians.
While Atiku has maintained that he has evidence to support his allegation and is prepared to present it in court, allies of President Tinubu have rejected the claim and questioned its basis. The controversy is likely to remain part of the wider political discourse as the 2027 presidential contest draws closer.