Atiku’s Aide Slams Presidency Over Dakingari U-Turn

Phrank Shaibu, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing critique of the presidency following the abrupt withdrawal of Usman Dakingari’s appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Turkey. In a blistering statement shared via his official X handle on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Shaibu characterized the flip-flop as a sign of administrative incompetence and a blatant lack of respect for public institutions.

The controversy began late Thursday when the presidency announced the posting of four ambassador-designates, including the former Kebbi State Governor, Usman Dakingari. However, the announcement was rescinded barely 24 hours later without any official explanation. Investigations quickly revealed that Dakingari’s name was conspicuously absent from the list of 68 nominees screened and confirmed by the Senate in December 2025, raising questions about how an unconfirmed nominee made it into a presidential broadcast.

Shaibu pointed out that this incident marks the 11th public reversal by the current administration, describing it as part of a recurring pattern of “confusion and uncertainty.” He argued that governance is being treated with the levity of a “social media message” that can be deleted at will, rather than a serious constitutional responsibility. The aide noted that such blunders embarrass living appointees and further erode the credibility of the Nigerian government on the international stage.

Drawing a sharp contrast between the presidency’s focus and the nation’s realities, Shaibu accused the administration of being “obsessed” with opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. He suggested that if the presidency spent half as much time on due diligence as it does on political rivalry, it would not “wake up to appoint the dead” or announce appointments that have no legal backing.

The Atiku aide specifically called out presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, insisting that serious governments must double-check facts before making public proclamations. He noted that the withdrawal of Dakingari’s name just before President Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to Turkey next week creates a diplomatic vacuum that could have been avoided with basic administrative oversight.

Shaibu’s critique also touched on the broader implications of these reversals for the rule of law. He argued that the constitutional requirement for Senate confirmation is not a mere formality but a safeguard against executive overreach. By announcing a nominee who had not been cleared by the upper chamber, the presidency, according to Shaibu, demonstrated a total disregard for legislative legitimacy and the integrity of official records.

As Nigerians grapple with economic hardship, Shaibu urged the government to prioritize “basic competence” over reactionary politics. He maintained that the frequency of these administrative U-turns suggests a government that is “struggling to track its own announcements.” The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the quality of the presidency’s vetting process, with critics calling for more transparency in how high-profile appointments are managed.

Ultimately, Shaibu warned that the “delete and pretend” culture in the State House is a disservice to the Nigerian people. He insisted that for the country to move forward, the presidency must hold its officials accountable for these recurring blunders and restore a sense of order to the nation’s highest office.