Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the Federal Government over its plan to mobilise 4,000 social media influencers to showcase its achievements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the announcement, Shaibu questioned the need for such a large media army if the government had truly performed. “If you have done well, why do you need 4,000 influencers?” he asked.
According to Shaibu, the move is an admission of failure. He argued that a government whose work is visible and impactful does not need thousands of content creators to convince citizens that it is working.
He further stated that no amount of propaganda can rescue a damaged reputation, insisting that “your media army can’t save your drowning reputation” and that Nigerians feel governance through the cost of living, not through curated videos online.
Shaibu, who now serves as Director of Strategic Communications for Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 campaign under the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said the opposition is focused on addressing the real hardships facing Nigerians.
If you have done well, why do you need 4,000 influencers? — Phrank Shaibu @phrankangel https://t.co/WIrAREFbbj
— Alaibi Nnana Joseph (@Alaibi_1) October 5, 2026
