Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and former Vice President of Nigeria, has expressed his determination to continue challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over policies he claims have exacerbated economic hardship across the country. In a statement released by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of reducing the purchasing power of Nigerians and increasing the burden on families, workers, traders, and businesses. He emphasized that his opposition to the government would not be limited to the 2027 election campaign.
Atiku's criticism of the Tinubu administration centers on major economic decisions, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira. He argues that these policies have led to higher costs of living, with significant increases in food, transportation, and other essential goods and services. Atiku believes that the consequences of these policies have disproportionately affected Nigerians, pushing many into poverty. He insists that the opposition has a responsibility to hold the government accountable for its actions while in office.
The ADC presidential candidate has proposed an alternative approach to petrol pricing if elected in 2027. He suggests introducing a transparent production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. This proposal aims to support domestic production while reducing the cost of petroleum products for consumers. Atiku's stance on economic policies has been a point of contention between him and the Tinubu administration.
The political disagreement between Atiku and Tinubu extends beyond economic policies. Atiku and the ADC are currently challenging Tinubu's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election in court. The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, centers on allegations concerning documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including an NYSC discharge certificate attributed to the President. Tinubu and the APC have rejected the allegations and asked the court to dismiss the case.
The legal battle between Atiku and Tinubu suffered an early delay over the service of court documents on the President. However, the court later granted Atiku and the ADC permission to serve the processes through the All Progressives Congress. The matter was subsequently adjourned to September 28 for further proceedings. Both men were major contenders in the 2023 presidential election, with Tinubu emerging as the winner.
Atiku's camp has responded to criticism from Tinubu's aides, who objected to Atiku addressing Tinubu by his first name, 'Bola'. The former Vice President's camp argued that the issue should not distract from the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians. Phrank Shaibu emphasized that public officials should remain open to criticism and that attention should instead be directed towards the rising cost of living.
The Atiku camp maintains that the former Vice President will continue to scrutinize the Tinubu administration and present alternative policy proposals ahead of the 2027 election. Atiku will continue to speak out against policies he believes are detrimental to Nigerians and propose solutions to address the country's economic challenges.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu's economic policies, citing their impact on Nigeria's economic hardship.
- Atiku challenges Tinubu's eligibility for the 2027 presidential election in court.
- Atiku proposes a transparent production subsidy for petroleum products to reduce costs for consumers.
