Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, claiming that the challenges faced by Nigerians under his administration will adversely affect his chances for re-election in 2027.
Atiku, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress, emphasized that the upcoming election should focus on rectifying the hardships brought by what he terms Tinubu’s governance failures, which include rising poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and a soaring cost of living.
In a statement released by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku defended his past investments in education, particularly in the establishment of the American University of Nigeria. He stated that such initiatives began long before his tenure as Vice President in 1999. He highlighted a comment he made regarding the foundations laid for educational projects since 1993.
Atiku further critiqued Tinubu for his administration’s economic policies, questioning the benefits of current reforms to the average citizen. He called out the president for asserting that Nigeria cannot revert to a fuel subsidy while failing to outline a clear path forward for the country.
Moreover, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of creating widespread poverty and being indifferent to the struggles of many Nigerians. He referenced a remark from Tinubu’s campaign Director-General aimed at the impoverished as being lazy, arguing that such comments are inconsiderate to those struggling to make ends meet.
In response to criticisms from the government, Atiku proposed an alternative that includes a transparent, production-based fuel subsidy linked to local refining, as well as targeted social welfare investments to assist vulnerable citizens.
Atiku maintains that he will not be deterred from running in the upcoming election, asserting that he will directly challenge Tinubu in the electoral race. He concluded that Tinubu’s lack of a positive record in office may serve as his most significant obstacle in securing another term, stating, “Your own record of failure is the strongest campaign against you.”
