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Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s Policies And Says Rising Costs Are Hurting Nigerians
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they are placing significant strain on Nigerians.
Atiku’s statement was issued through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
On Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for Tinubu, accused Atiku of harboring envy following his election loss.
Shaibu responded, dismissing Onanuga’s comments as baseless, emphasizing that Atiku is far from jealous of Tinubu’s policies, which he claims are only worsening life for Nigerians.
In a strong statement, Shaibu said, “Atiku jealous of Tinubu inflicting pain on Nigerians? Hell no.
Wickedness is an exclusive preserve of T-Pain.”
Atiku mentioned the government’s failure to implement its own economic promises.
He cited Tinubu’s July 8, 2024 announcement, where the President pledged a 150-day suspension on import duties for essential items like food.
However, more than 120 days later, Atiku pointed out that the policy has yet to be executed, even as Nigerians grapple with skyrocketing prices.
Food inflation, which now stands at over 40%, is one of the highest seen in decades, worsening living conditions and putting essential goods out of reach for many.
He further criticized Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a “brazen disregard” for its own policies, particularly the finance ministry’s delay in formalizing the import duty waiver through an official gazette.
This delay, Atiku argues, shows the incompetence and disorganization in Tinubu’s government.
He added that rather than focus on much-needed governance, the administration is more interested in verbally attacking political opponents like himself and Peter Obi.
He claimed that the administration is even using questionable court actions to create disarray in the opposition.
Atiku also questioned Tinubu’s preparedness for office, calling his administration a series of “policy flip-flops” that have harmed rather than helped Nigerians.
One of his biggest criticisms was Tinubu’s abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, which Atiku said was done without planning for any support measures to ease the transition for Nigerians.
He noted that the President’s compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative, intended as an alternative, has so far stalled due to inadequate gas infrastructure across most states.
And this is leading to rising transportation costs that further increase food prices.
Atiku also questioned Tinubu’s economic planning in light of his mid-term expenditure framework, which projects an exchange rate of N700 to $1 by 2024 and N650 to $1 by 2025.
Atiku urged Tinubu to dismiss his economic advisers, whom he accused of unrealistic planning and deceiving Nigerians by promoting a foreign exchange reserve of $40 billion, when the net reserve is allegedly much less.
President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he almost stepped away from the presidential race but was convinced to stay by Aminu Masari and a few others.
Speaking at a special Iftar at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu shared how a late-night conversation with a relative made him question his decision to run. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement detailing the moment.
Recalling the incident, Tinubu said a family member visited him around 3:30 a.m., asking for N50,000 to buy food. The relative blamed him for the currency crisis at the time, saying people were struggling to get cash, even a wealthy uncle of theirs couldn’t find N10,000. The man then questioned why Tinubu was still in the race, hinting that he had no chance of winning.
Despite the doubt, Tinubu handed over the money and confidently told him he would succeed. However, the encounter made him briefly consider quitting. He credited Aminu Masari and others for pushing him forward, with Masari reminding him of the support he had and urging him not to look back.
Tinubu acknowledged the tough economic challenges he faced upon taking office and the difficult decisions he had to make, including the removal of fuel subsidies. He revealed that the subsidy removal wasn’t part of his original inauguration speech but was a decision he had to make immediately.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, celebrates her husband and president of Nigeria, Booa Ahmed Tinubu.
The First Lady writes down a heartfelt message and expresses gratitude as she celebrates Tinubu’s 73rd birthday.
She praises his leadership and the works he has done, she highlights what he has established as the President of Nigeria.
“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life, over the years. I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today. May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace, and prosperity. Happy Birthday, Mr. President… My Knight in Shining Armor.”
Paul Ibe, the media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has denied reports claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, provided Atiku with funds allegedly belonging to Lagos State.i
Ibe described the accusation as completely false and a politically motivated attempt to damage Atiku’s reputation while serving the interests of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Ibe, the real aim behind the allegation is to tarnish Sanwo-Olu’s image and undermine the coalition that opposition leaders, including Atiku, are working to build.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Ibe warned that the smear campaign against Atiku must stop immediately.
He stated, “We at the Atiku Media Office have seen reports suggesting that Governor Sanwo-Olu, through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, gave Atiku funds allegedly tied to Lagos State. It’s also being reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the matter.
“Let it be clear — this is a baseless and politically driven lie designed to serve Tinubu’s interests. Their plan is simple: take down Sanwo-Olu and weaken the opposition coalition led by Atiku.
“This politically motivated attack on Atiku’s integrity needs to stop immediately.”
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