Atiku Abubakar Critiques Tinubu's Leadership and Policies

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections, issued a statement on November 7, 2026, responding to President Bola Tinubu's remarks about the American University of Nigeria, which Atiku established while serving as vice president. In his statement, released by Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku emphasized that his investment in the university began prior to his public office tenure.

He criticized Tinubu's administration for pushing over 79 million Nigerians into extreme poverty since taking office in 2023. Atiku also condemned comments from Tinubu's campaign director-general, who allegedly referred to struggling Nigerians as lazy.

He promised to introduce a transparent, production-based subsidy for fuel prices, aiming to reduce costs for Nigerians. Atiku concluded by likening Tinubu's leadership to "a calabash of pepper," vowing to restore Nigeria to prosperity and growth.