Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Hunger, Poverty, Economic Hardship
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of blaming the opposition for Nigeria’s economic hardship, insisting that his administration must account for its performance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, was responding to Tinubu’s remarks at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday, where the President accused the opposition of creating hunger and poverty.
In a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Tinubu’s comments as “either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia”.
“The APC governed Nigeria for eight years before you took office. You have added another three and a half years. Nigerians know who has been in power,” he said.
Atiku argued that the administration could not escape responsibility for rising living costs by blaming political opponents.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR
HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI
HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY, YOUR EXCELLENCY! The Governing Council, Management, Staff and entire University Community of Adamawa State University, Mubi, heartily felicitate with Your Excellency on the joyous occasion of your 59th birthday. We celebrate your commitment to educational advancement and the development of Adamawa State. May Almighty God grant you sound health, divine wisdom, long life and greater accomplishments. Happy 59th Birthday, Your Excellency!
Professor Clement Augustine, Vice Chancellor, ADSU, Mubi
He questioned the impact of petrol subsidy removal and the depreciation of the naira, claiming that the exchange rate had deteriorated from approximately ₦471 to ₦1,329 against the dollar.
Citing World Bank projections, Atiku claimed that 63 per cent of Nigerians would live below the national poverty line in 2026.
He also demanded explanations over the extension of the 2024 budget into 2025, alongside a separate 2025 budget, and questioned expenditure figures of ₦7.13 trillion for energy security and ₦11.2 trillion for NNPC pipeline-related activities.
The former Vice President further raised concerns over an alleged $12.4 billion discrepancy in Nigeria’s external accounts and $22.5 million in charges linked to an Abu Dhabi financing facility.
He challenged the government to provide detailed accounts of the expenditures and their benefits to Nigerians.
On infrastructure, Atiku criticised the planned inauguration of a section of the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, arguing that ceremonial activities should not substitute for completed projects.
He also accused the administration of failing to adequately address insecurity, including killings, kidnappings and displacement.
“You cannot govern for three years, make life harder, and then blame others for describing the hardship. You asked who created the hunger. Nigerians are asking what you have done to end it,” he said.
Atiku maintained that the 2027 presidential election would provide Nigerians an opportunity to assess Tinubu’s performance, saying voters would judge the administration by their living conditions rather than campaign promises.