Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the government’s three years in office have brought hardship, insecurity, poverty and hopelessness to Nigerians.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks in a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku Says Nigerians Have Seen “Enough”
The former vice president accused the Tinubu administration of relying on propaganda and political deception instead of addressing the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.
“Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness,” Atiku stated.
According to him, rising inflation, unemployment, naira depreciation and the collapse of businesses have worsened living conditions across the country.
He added that food prices had become unaffordable for many households, deepening economic hardship nationwide.
Questions Over Government Borrowing
Atiku also criticised the Federal Government’s borrowing under Tinubu’s administration, questioning the impact of the loans on citizens’ lives.
He alleged that public records showed the government borrowed about ₦11.9 trillion within nine months but spent only ₦3.1 trillion on capital projects.
“Nigerians are therefore entitled to ask a simple question: where did the rest of the money go?” he asked.
The ADC flagbearer further raised concerns over infrastructure spending, alleging that projects appeared to favour politically connected interests.
Insecurity Remains Major Concern
Atiku said the continued cases of kidnappings and attacks across the country reflected the administration’s failure in addressing insecurity.
He referenced the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
“What greater evidence of failure can there be than parents sending their children to school only to receive news that they have been abducted?” he said.
According to him, the incidents showed that many communities across Nigeria remain unsafe despite repeated government assurances.
“No Amount Of Propaganda Can Hide Reality”
The former vice president argued that governance should be judged by the experiences of citizens and not official statements from government officials.
“No amount of propaganda can fill an empty stomach. No amount of spin can erase insecurity,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to use the ballot box to demand change in future elections, insisting that citizens have the constitutional power to decide the country’s direction.
“The ballot box remains the most powerful weapon in the hands of the people,” Atiku added.
ADC Promises Alternative Policy Blueprint
Atiku disclosed that the ADC would soon unveil a comprehensive policy document focused on tackling insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and institutional failure.
According to him, the proposed blueprint would cover economic recovery, job creation, education, healthcare, fiscal discipline and security reforms.
He also pledged that his campaign would focus on competence, ideas and practical solutions rather than propaganda and political insults.
The statement comes as President Tinubu marks his third anniversary in office amid continued debate over the state of Nigeria’s economy and security situation.