Atiku Abubakar Challenges Tinubu on Economic Hardships

Atiku Abubakar, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, criticized President Bola Tinubu for blaming the opposition for the hardships faced by Nigerians. Atiku stated that blaming others for hunger reflects either delusion or political amnesia, as the APC has governed Nigeria for eight years prior to Tinubu's administration, which has lasted three and a half years.

He pointed out that hardship did not begin with the opposition's criticisms. Atiku highlighted various issues, including the commissioning of the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway, the removal of the petrol subsidy, the naira's depreciation, and rising poverty levels, with the World Bank estimating that 63 percent of Nigerians will be below the national poverty line in 2026.

He questioned the government's financial management, including a $12.4 billion gap in external accounts and $22.5 million in charges related to financing. Atiku concluded that Nigerians will judge the government based on their lived experiences, asserting that the upcoming 2027 presidential election will serve as a referendum on Tinubu's record.