The Arewa Youth Council has fired back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of hypocrisy and desperation over his continued criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement from Kaduna, the council’s president, Comrade Adams Reuben, said Atiku’s recent actions are nothing more than a bitter reaction to years of failed attempts to clinch the presidency. He described Atiku’s attacks on Tinubu as both laughable and shameful, especially given his own controversial role in Nigeria’s economic past.

Reuben accused Atiku of overseeing the sale of key national assets like NITEL and ALSCON to close allies during his time as the head of the National Council on Privatisation. “He was part of the group that weakened our economy,” Reuben said. “Now he wants to pose as a reformer? It’s either he’s forgotten or he hopes we have.”

He also questioned Atiku’s push for a new political coalition ahead of 2027, calling it a “failed train heading nowhere” and describing it as a gathering of “political orphans” trying to stay relevant. “Atiku is not just the conductor of that train,” Reuben said, “he’s also the last passenger left.”

The group argued that while Atiku has run for president six times without success, Tinubu won on his first try because Nigerians trusted his leadership. “It’s time Atiku accepted that he lost and moved on,” Reuben said. “Nigerians have moved forward with a leader who has a clear vision and the courage to make tough choices.”

They ended by warning against those they believe are trying to rewrite history and stir division in the name of opposition.