Atiku: Tinubu’s Government Has Failed Nigerians, Opposition Coalition Will Not Stay Silent

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as one of the most “incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people” governments in Nigeria’s democratic history.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku accused the federal government of deepening the country’s poverty, mismanaging public resources, and adopting policies that favour the elite at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

“In just two years, this administration has inflicted unprecedented hardship on the people while showing zero regard for transparency, accountability, or responsible leadership,” Atiku said.

He lamented the rise in economic inequality, pointing to excessive public spending amidst growing poverty. “Government officials continue to live in luxury while millions struggle to survive,” he noted, adding that Nigeria now ranks as the African country with the highest number of malnourished children, according to the 2024 Global Hunger Index, surpassing even war-torn Sudan.

The former Vice President also criticised recent policy decisions, including the 75 percent hike in fees by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the introduction of VIP protocols for basic services. He further highlighted the sharp increase in public university tuition fees, arguing that these changes have made education less accessible to the average Nigerian family.

On the economic front, Atiku expressed alarm at the growing national debt. “When President Tinubu took office in 2023, the national debt stood at N49 trillion. It has now surged to N144 trillion — a 150 percent increase. With more foreign loans being proposed, this figure could soon reach N183 trillion,” he warned.

Atiku described the federal government as the “primary driver” of Nigeria’s debt crisis, noting that many state governments had managed to reduce their own debt levels during the same period. He also criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of the fuel subsidy removal, saying the manner in which it was implemented was reckless and largely responsible for the current economic hardship.

“Today, Nigeria is a country where the rich get richer and the poor are punished for trying to survive. This is a reality we cannot ignore,” he said.

Speaking on the role of the opposition, Atiku vowed that his coalition would not remain silent in the face of what he called a growing threat to democracy. “We reject any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. We are building a strong, united opposition coalition to challenge the excesses of this government, restore accountability, and return power to the people,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming the coalition’s commitment to fighting for “economic justice, political freedom, and national progress,” saying, “We are here to rescue Nigeria, and we will not stop until that goal is achieved.”