Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has harshly critiqued President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that it has failed the Nigerian populace after two years in power.
The opposition coalition opposing Tinubu’s re-election faces uncertainty regarding which political party to adopt for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Mr. John Nwosu, the Anambra State governorship candidate from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserted that only a united coalition can rescue Nigeria, emphasising the collaboration of political figures to combat poor governance.
In a strongly worded statement, Atiku denounced the current administration as the most incompetent and disconnected in Nigeria’s democratic history. He asserted, “In just two years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has created unprecedented hardship for citizens, all while neglecting transparency and accountability.”
He went on to highlight that the administration has exacerbated poverty across the nation, claiming it has set records for wasteful public spending. “While millions of Nigerians struggle to make ends meet, officials indulge in excess, approving budgets that favour the elite at the expense of the average citizen.”
Atiku lamented that under this administration, Nigeria has not only become the world’s poverty capital but has also overtaken Sudan as Africa’s leader in child malnutrition. He referenced the Global Hunger Index 2024, which ranks Nigeria 18th in terms of hunger and malnutrition.
He further critiqued the government’s policies, noting, “Every policy enacted has targeted the impoverished while offering benefits to the wealthy. From healthcare to education, the system now favours the privileged, leaving the majority behind.”
Highlighting recent developments, he noted the National Identity Management Commission’s decision to increase its fees by 75%, introducing preferential treatment for services that should be universally accessible. He also pointed out that public university fees have soared beyond the reach of many families, with no adequate support systems in place.
Atiku raised concerns about the government’s borrowing practices, revealing that Nigeria’s public debt has surged from approximately N49 trillion when Tinubu took office to N144 trillion in just two years—a staggering 150% increase. He asserted that the federal government is the principal contributor to Nigeria’s burgeoning debt crisis.
He dismissed Tinubu’s justification for further borrowing as weak and dishonest, stating that the government’s reckless removal of the fuel subsidy has primarily contributed to the current economic difficulties. “Today, Nigeria is a nation where the wealthy prosper while the poor are penalised for merely striving to survive,” he said.
As opposition leaders, Atiku and his allies are committed to ensuring democracy is not manipulated for elite control. They are united in their efforts to challenge the administration’s excesses, restore accountability, and return governance to the people.
In the meantime, the opposition coalition continues to deliberate on the political party to adopt for the 2027 elections, with discussions surrounding the existing ADC versus the formation of a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Key figures in the ADC, including Atiku and former governor John Oyegun, advocate for its adoption, while others, led by former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, push for a new party.
John Nwosu emphasised that the coalition’s formation is crucial for addressing the poor governance experienced under the APC, stating, “Rescuing Nigeria is an urgent necessity in light of the current state of affairs.”
