Atiku's Camp Fires Back At Tinubu Over Poverty Criticism

The African Democratic Congress presidential campaign council has strongly responded to President Bola Tinubu's recent criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In a statement, the council described Tinubu as a disaster and accused his administration of exacerbating poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria. This exchange occurs as the 2027 campaign gains momentum.

Tinubu had criticized Atiku during an All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on November 7. He accused Atiku of contributing to the economic challenges his administration is currently addressing. Atiku served as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007 and was in charge of the economy during that period.

Atiku's camp, through its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, dismissed Tinubu's criticism. Shaibu accused Tinubu of attacking Nigerians seeking relief from economic hardship. He also questioned Tinubu's leadership style, describing it as hostile and contrasting it with what Atiku is offering. Shaibu invoked a Yoruba cultural expression, describing Tinubu's leadership as a "calabash of pepper."

Shaibu also challenged Tinubu's stance on petrol subsidy. He stated that an Atiku-led administration would introduce a transparent, production-based subsidy tied to local fuel refining. This policy aims to reduce energy costs, including petrol and diesel prices, and promises increased investment in social welfare programs.

The ADC campaign council further accused Tinubu of attempting to prevent Atiku from appearing on the 2027 presidential ballot. They insisted that Atiku would contest and defeat Tinubu. Shaibu maintained that Tinubu had little to campaign on after three and a half years in office, arguing that the administration's record had become its strongest political liability.

Atiku's camp emphasized that his proposed Affordable Life campaign offers an alternative to the hardship under the current administration. Shaibu declared that the campaign would not be silenced by insults or threats. He expressed confidence that Atiku would lead Nigeria back to prosperity, growth, and development.

The exchange between Atiku's camp and Tinubu highlights the increasing tension in Nigeria's 2027 presidential campaign. Both sides are strongly positioned, with Tinubu defending his administration's actions and Atiku's camp criticizing his leadership. The campaign's outcome and the candidates' strategies will likely shape Nigeria's future.

Key points

• Atiku's camp accuses Tinubu of creating poverty and insulting Nigerians struggling with economic hardship.
• Tinubu had criticized Atiku for contributing to Nigeria's economic challenges.
• Atiku's proposed Affordable Life campaign offers an alternative to the current administration's policies.