The Nigerian Presidency has launched a strong rebuttal against former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is running as the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 elections. This comes after Atiku claimed he would open Nigeria's borders if elected, a statement that the government deems misleading and politically motivated.

Mr. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, expressed skepticism over Atiku's statements, suggesting that they reflect emotional instability rather than a solid political strategy. The Presidency pointed out that most of Nigeria's land borders were reopened on March 14, 2024, and questioned what specific borders Atiku intends to open, given that they are already accessible.

Dare emphasized that if Atiku's intention is to relax existing border controls, he must clarify which controls he plans to eliminate and explain the rationale behind such changes. He also raised concerns about the potential risks associated with relaxing border security, particularly regarding terrorism, arms trafficking, and smuggling.

The Presidency highlighted the importance of effective border management, noting that it is essential for facilitating legitimate trade while preventing criminal activities. This is especially crucial for Nigeria, which shares borders with countries facing significant security challenges, such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The government cited the Global Terrorism Index 2026, which indicates that a substantial percentage of terrorist attacks occur near international borders, underscoring the need for robust border security measures.

Furthermore, the Presidency pointed out that the current administration is committed to responsible border governance, which includes a combination of immigration control, customs administration, and intelligence-sharing. They stressed that the ongoing security operations in the Northeast and Northwest regions should not be misconstrued as evidence of closed borders but rather as strategic efforts to manage security effectively.

The government urged Atiku, as a seasoned politician, to provide a more coherent alternative policy agenda rather than merely proposing to reverse or rename existing initiatives. The Presidency called for a detailed discussion on how any future administration would enhance border surveillance, strengthen intelligence-sharing with neighboring countries, and modernize customs and immigration operations.

In conclusion, the Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open borders for legitimate commerce while ensuring that security measures are in place to protect against criminal activities and terrorism. They emphasized that the conversation about Nigeria's borders should focus on security and economic strategy rather than political slogans.