Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu's criticism of his investment in education, accusing Tinubu of attempting to distract Nigerians from his administration's economic failures. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), revived allegations surrounding the forfeiture of $460,000 in the United States involving Tinubu.
Atiku explained that his investment in education predated his entry into public service, contrary to Tinubu's questions about how he established an educational institution while serving as vice-president. ABTI Academy, established in 1993, has since developed into the American University of Nigeria (AUN). Atiku insisted that his business interests and achievements were traceable and that his record contrasted with Tinubu's unclear past.
Atiku accused Tinubu of using his comments about ABTI Academy to divert attention from the hardship confronting Nigerians under his administration. He argued that the country's economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, and growing poverty, should be the focus of national discourse ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former vice-president questioned Tinubu's insistence that Nigeria could not return to fuel subsidy, arguing that the government had failed to demonstrate how its economic policies would improve the living conditions of citizens. Atiku also accused the Tinubu administration of deepening economic hardship since assuming office in May 2023, alleging that its policies had pushed more than 79 million Nigerians into extreme poverty.
Atiku faulted the president's political camp over a remark by Tinubu's campaign Director-General, who reportedly described hungry Nigerians as lazy. According to Atiku, the comment reflected the administration's alleged insensitivity to the suffering of ordinary citizens. He said the government could not effectively tackle hunger when its officials appeared unwilling to acknowledge the extent of the crisis.
The latest exchange underscores the growing confrontation between the ruling APC and opposition parties as political actors intensify their positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku demanded that the government address the country's economic challenges rather than attacking his educational investments.
Atiku's response highlights the ongoing debate about the government's handling of the economy and its impact on Nigerians. The exchange between Atiku and Tinubu is likely to continue as the 2027 general election approaches, with both sides vying for support from Nigerians.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar accused President Tinubu of attempting to distract Nigerians from his administration's economic failures.
- Atiku alleged that Tinubu forfeited $460,000 in the US in 1993.
- Atiku questioned Tinubu's economic policies, arguing that they had deepened economic hardship for Nigerians.
