Atiku Abubakar Challenges Tinubu's Claims on Economic Hardship

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu of evading responsibility for Nigeria's economic difficulties by blaming the opposition. During a speech at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna, Tinubu stated that his political opponents were responsible for hunger and poverty.

In response, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, emphasized that the APC has governed Nigeria for over 11 years, including the three and a half years since Tinubu took office. He argued that the current hardships are a direct result of government policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira.

Atiku also criticized Tinubu's decision to commission the unfinished Abuja-Kaduna Expressway from a stadium, highlighting a disconnect from the realities faced by Nigerians. He raised concerns about federal budgeting and public expenditure, specifically questioning the spending on energy security and the implications of the 2024 budget extending into 2025.