Atiku Abubakar Challenges Tinubu on Economic Recovery Claims

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has challenged President Bola Tinubu's assertions regarding Nigeria's economic recovery. In a statement released on Monday by his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned why millions of Nigerians are experiencing worsening poverty despite claims of economic improvement.

He accused the Tinubu-led federal government of celebrating macroeconomic indicators while neglecting the struggles of ordinary citizens, highlighting that about 63% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line and 27 million face food insecurity. Atiku criticized the government's growing debt profile and questioned the benefits derived from borrowing.

He noted that despite claims of improved revenues from the removal of fuel subsidies and higher tax collections, Nigerians continue to suffer from record inflation, rising unemployment, and worsening insecurity. Atiku emphasized that while economic reforms are necessary, they must yield tangible benefits for the populace.