The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said President Bola Tinubu cannot rely on political allies and defectors to defend his administration’s record ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku said Tinubu must personally account to Nigerians for the economic hardship they have experienced over the past three and a half years before seeking another four-year term.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku accused the President of depending on political supporters to promote his re-election bid instead of addressing concerns about the economy.
“Ultimately, Nigerians will judge the President by what they experience in their daily lives, not by the promises made by politicians campaigning for his re-election,” Atiku said.
Atiku said Tinubu, not members of his campaign council, received the mandate from Nigerians in 2023 and must therefore take responsibility for his promises, decisions and administration’s performance.
The former vice-president criticised the President over what he described as the administration’s slow response to the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians, while prioritising engagements with foreign creditors and investors.
He questioned Tinubu’s explanation that his responsibilities as President might prevent him from attending some campaign rallies.
He said many families had been forced to reduce their food consumption, delay medical treatment and struggle with the rising cost of living.
Atiku challenged the President to explain how his policies had improved access to affordable food, healthcare and employment.
The ADC campaign official said political rallies and endorsements by influential politicians could not change the economic realities confronting citizens.
“He can fill every campaign stage in Nigeria. He cannot fill an empty pot with surrogates. He cannot send a politician into a market to persuade prices to fall,” Atiku said.
He maintained that Tinubu would ultimately be judged by voters on the performance of his administration, regardless of the number of political figures supporting his re-election.
“Nigerians will hear whatever his surrogates have to say. But when they vote, they will remember what they have lived through. No crowd of politicians can stand between Tinubu and his record,” he said.