Atiku faults Tinubu over ‘opposition created hunger, poverty’ claim

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has replied President Bola Tinubu over claim that opposition created hunger and poverty.

Reacting on Saturday night through Director of Strategic Communication of ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said President should take responsibility for current economic situation.

Atiku said; “Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger does not address the issues. The APC has governed Nigeria for over eleven years including eight years before you took office and three and a half years under your administration. Nigerians know who has been in power”.

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He said hardship being experienced by Nigerians is real and should be addressed.

“Your decision to commission the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium shows how far removed you are from daily reality of Nigerians. A road cannot be completed with a speech or ribbon cutting ceremony,” he stated.

Atiku raised questions on economic decisions of administration, including removal of petrol subsidy and naira exchange rate, which moved from about N471 to N1,329 to dollar.

“Which administration removed the petrol subsidy and watched the naira fall from about N471 to N1,329 to the dollar? Which administration has presided over a rise in poverty that led the World Bank to estimate that 63 per cent of Nigerians will be below national poverty line in 2026?” he asked.

He also raised questions about budget implementation and spending.

“Which administration extended the 2024 budget into 2025 while also operating a separate 2025 budget? Which administration recorded N7.13 trillion under ‘energy security’ in 2024 and faces questions over N11.2 trillion in NNPC pipeline related spending?” Atiku said, adding that Nigerians deserve to know what was delivered.

He further questioned external accounts and financing charges, and the security situation.

“Which administration must explain the $12.4 billion gap flagged in Nigeria’s external accounts for first half of 2026? Which administration paid $22.5 million in ‘other charges’ on Abu Dhabi financing facility? Which administration is responsible for killings, kidnappings and displacement that continue to affect communities?” he asked.

Atiku said 2027 presidential election will be referendum on the current administration’s record.

“You cannot govern for three years and blame others for describing hardship. You asked who created hunger. Nigerians are asking what you have done to end it. The people will judge your government by lives they are living, not by excuses at campaign rallies. The 2027 presidential election will be a referendum on your record,” he said.