Atiku Abubakar Challenges Tinubu Over Economic Hardship and Governance Record

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a sharp rebuttal to President Bola Tinubu following remarks made at an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign event in Kaduna. The President had suggested that the opposition was responsible for the prevailing hunger and poverty in Nigeria. According to a report by Channels Television, Atiku, through his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, dismissed these claims as a form of political amnesia, arguing that the administration must take full responsibility for its governance record.

The Debate Over Economic Responsibility

Atiku’s response centers on the duration of APC leadership in Nigeria. He noted that the party has held power for the past eight years, with the current administration adding another three and a half years to that tenure. Atiku argued that the economic hardship currently experienced by citizens is a direct result of government policies rather than the influence of political opponents. He urged the administration to stop attributing systemic challenges to the opposition and instead address the concerns of the populace regarding the cost of living.

Key Economic Concerns Raised

The former Vice President highlighted several specific economic indicators that he believes demonstrate the administration’s failure. These include:

• Currency Depreciation: Atiku pointed to the significant decline of the naira, which he claimed has shifted from approximately ₦471 to ₦1,329 against the dollar.
• Poverty Statistics: Citing World Bank estimates, he noted that 63 percent of Nigerians are projected to fall below the national poverty line in 2026.
• Fiscal Transparency: Atiku questioned the government on specific budgetary allocations, including ₦7.13 trillion for “energy security” in 2024 and ₦11.2 trillion in NNPC pipeline-related spending. He demanded clarity on what these funds delivered and who received them.
• External Accounts: He requested an explanation for a $12.4 billion gap in Nigeria’s external accounts for the first half of 2026 and the payment of $22.5 million in “other charges” related to an Abu Dhabi financing facility.

Infrastructure and Security Critiques

Beyond economic policy, Atiku criticized the administration’s approach to infrastructure and national security. Regarding the planned inauguration of a section of the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, he argued that such ceremonies do not equate to completed, functional infrastructure. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the government’s handling of widespread insecurity, citing ongoing reports of killings, kidnappings, and the displacement of citizens as evidence of a failure to protect the populace.

The 2027 Election as a Referendum

Atiku asserted that the 2027 presidential election will serve as a referendum on President Tinubu’s tenure. He maintained that voters will judge the administration based on their daily experiences—such as market prices and living conditions—rather than campaign rhetoric. While the government has yet to issue a formal response to these specific allegations, Atiku’s statement underscores the intensifying political discourse as the nation looks toward the next election cycle.

Note: The information in this article is based on a statement issued by Atiku Abubakar’s office as reported by Channels Television. Independent verification of the specific financial figures and claims cited by the former Vice President was not available at the time of writing.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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