A Nation in Peril: Atiku Abubakar Accuses Tinubu of Incompetence, Economic Mismanagement, and Elitism

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a blistering critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the government as disconnected, anti-people, and one of the worst in Nigeria's democratic journey. The comments came as Nigeria marked two years under Tinubu’s leadership, a period Atiku says has brought untold hardship, rising poverty, and economic decay.

Atiku, who ran against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential elections as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not hold back in his assessment. Speaking through a statement issued on Wednesday, the former Vice President accused the Tinubu-led government of causing suffering on a scale unmatched by previous administrations. He pointed to what he called a reckless approach to economic policy, lack of transparency, and a growing gulf between the ruling elite and ordinary Nigerians.

According to Atiku, the administration has not only failed to deliver on its promises but has deepened the country’s socioeconomic woes. He pointed to ballooning public debt, widespread hunger, and deteriorating public services as symptoms of a leadership crisis at the national level.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has, in just two years, earned the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most incompetent and anti-people governments since the return of democracy,” Atiku stated. “No government in our history has imposed this level of hardship on Nigerians while showing such blatant disregard for responsible governance.”

At the heart of Atiku’s criticism is the assertion that Tinubu’s policies have targeted the poor while providing cover for elites. From education to healthcare, identity management to budgetary allocations, Atiku described a widening class divide where essential services are now tailored to favor the rich.

A recent decision by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to increase service fees by 75% was cited as one example. The agency also introduced a VIP service protocol, a move Atiku argues turns a basic citizenship right into a privilege for the wealthy. Public university fees have also been raised significantly, placing higher education beyond the reach of many families, without corresponding financial support mechanisms.

The economic crisis was a major focus of Atiku’s remarks. He highlighted the staggering rise in Nigeria’s public debt—from ₦49 trillion in 2023 to ₦144 trillion in just two years—calling it a reckless and unsustainable path. The former Vice President said Tinubu’s justification for new borrowing, including plans to finance the 2025 budget and mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, is disingenuous.

“It was the careless and poorly planned removal of the fuel subsidy that created much of the current economic hardship,” he stated. “Rather than offering relief, this government has taken on more debt, leaving future generations burdened.”

Atiku also highlighted Nigeria’s declining global standing, referencing the 2024 Global Hunger Index. The country now ranks 18th among the worst-affected by hunger and malnutrition, surpassing even war-torn Sudan in some metrics. He described this development as a national embarrassment, attributing it to poor leadership and misplaced priorities.

Beyond economic issues, Atiku warned against what he described as the government’s authoritarian drift. He raised concerns about attempts to silence opposition voices and consolidate power in a way that threatens democratic principles. “We will not stand by and allow Nigeria to become a one-party state where power is hoarded, and dissent is crushed,” he said.

In a bold political declaration, Atiku announced that efforts were already underway to build a formidable opposition coalition to challenge the Tinubu administration in future elections. He promised that the alliance would focus on restoring accountability, promoting economic justice, and ensuring that government once again serves the people.

“Nigerians deserve leadership that listens, leadership that acts in the people’s interest. We are working to rescue Nigeria, and we will not rest until that goal is achieved,” Atiku concluded.

His remarks signal a sharpening of political tensions ahead of future electoral contests and underline growing dissatisfaction among opposition ranks with the Tinubu administration’s performance. Whether his call to action will galvanize a unified opposition remains to be seen, but Atiku has clearly placed himself at the forefront of what may become a renewed struggle for Nigeria’s political direction.