Atiku Abubakar Criticizes President Bola Tinubu Over Attack on Education Investment

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu's recent attack on his investment in education, describing it as a desperate attempt to distract Nigerians from the failure of his administration. Atiku's statement was issued by the Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu. Atiku emphasized that his investment in education predates his time in public service.

Atiku revealed that in 1993, he laid the foundation for ABTI Academy, which has since grown into the American University of Nigeria. This was during a time when a U.S. court ordered the forfeiture of funds in President Tinubu's name, describing them as proceeds of narcotics trafficking or funds involved in unlawful financial transactions. Atiku highlighted the difference between his transparent history and Tinubu's "clumsy and foggy" past.

Atiku criticized President Tinubu's leadership, stating that it has led to a crushing cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria. He argued that Tinubu has no business asking Nigerians for another mandate, given his administration's failure to address the country's challenges. Atiku emphasized that the real conversation about the 2027 election should focus on repairing the damage caused by Tinubu's government.

Atiku pointed out that Tinubu's leadership has become synonymous with hardship, pain, and despair. He noted that over 79 million Nigerians have been pushed into extreme poverty since Tinubu's inauguration in 2023. Atiku also criticized Tinubu's campaign Director-General for describing hungry Nigerians as "lazy," saying this shows the government's lack of understanding of the country's problems.

Atiku defended his Affordable Life campaign, which Tinubu has attacked. He stated that the campaign represents an alternative to the hardship imposed by Tinubu's leadership. Atiku expressed confidence that he will be on the ballot in 2027 and will defeat Tinubu decisively. He emphasized that his administration will make deliberate investments in social welfare and end the opaque system used to divert funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians.

Atiku promised to restore a transparent, production-based subsidy tied to local fuel refining, which will benefit Nigerians through lower energy costs. He accused Tinubu's government of diverting money meant for economically vulnerable Nigerians. Atiku's statement concluded by emphasizing that Tinubu's record of failure is the strongest campaign against him.

Atiku's campaign has gained momentum, with many Nigerians expressing support for his vision to lead the country back to prosperity, growth, and development. As the 2027 election approaches, Atiku's Affordable Life campaign is expected to be a major issue, with many Nigerians seeking relief from the country's current challenges.

Key points

• Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Bola Tinubu's attack on his education investment, citing his own history of building ABTI Academy in 1993.
• Atiku emphasizes that his investment in education predates his time in public service.
• Atiku promises to restore a transparent, production-based subsidy tied to local fuel refining if elected in 2027.