The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, describing them as a failure. According to Atiku, Nigerians are struggling to cope with the increasing cost of living, and the government's revenue announcements are not translating to tangible benefits for the citizens. He emphasized that Nigerians can no longer feed their children with mere government announcements.
Atiku's criticism of the government's economic policies was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu. The statement highlighted the contradiction in the government's economic policies, which have failed to improve the living standards of Nigerians. Atiku pointed out that workers can no longer afford transport fares, and the rising cost of fuel, food, and transport is worsening poverty and food insecurity.
The International Monetary Fund, IMF, had in June 2026, acknowledged that Nigeria's macroeconomic outcomes had improved, but also noted that conditions remained difficult for many Nigerians. The IMF estimated that poverty was at 63 per cent under the national poverty line and that 27 million Nigerians had faced food insecurity in the latter part of 2025. Atiku argued that the government's economic policies have not addressed the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.
The cost of living in Nigeria has continued to rise, with petrol selling at around N1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and as high as N1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria in September. Diesel prices have also exceeded N2,000 per litre. Atiku emphasized that the philosophy of economic reform cannot be that the poor surrender more and more while those already insulated from hardship become increasingly comfortable.
Atiku questioned the effectiveness of the government's economic policies, saying that Nigerians were promised that today's pain would produce tomorrow's gain. However, after more than three years, Nigerians are yet to see tangible benefits from the policies. He argued that Nigerians do not eat GDP figures, FAAC allocations, or PowerPoint presentations, but rather need tangible benefits to arrive at their dinner tables.
The ADC presidential candidate called on President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to apologize to Nigerians for the hardship caused by their economic policies. He also demanded that the government account for the loans taken in the name of economic reforms. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians deserve better and need a government that prioritizes their welfare.
The criticism of President Tinubu's economic policies by Atiku Abubakar is a significant development in Nigeria's political landscape. The 2027 general elections are approaching, and the ADC presidential candidate is seeking to capitalize on the widespread dissatisfaction with the current economic situation. Atiku's call for accountability and apology from the government is likely to resonate with many Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu's economic policies as a failure.
- The IMF estimated poverty at 63 per cent under the national poverty line in June 2026.
- Atiku calls on President Tinubu and APC to apologize to Nigerians for the hardship caused by their economic policies.
