Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the 2027 elections will be a clear judgment on President Bola Tinubu’s time in office, calling it a referendum on his leadership. Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, made this known on Monday while reacting to claims from the ruling APC, which accused Atiku of trying to rebuild the opposition for selfish reasons and to access public funds.

Ibe dismissed the accusations, saying Atiku’s mission is rooted in the hopes of everyday Nigerians who want a better future. “These people clearly weren’t ready to govern. All they do is play politics,” Ibe said. “They’ve worked hard, not to move Nigeria forward, but to stall any real progress. Their actions go against everything democracy stands for.”

He also criticized the Tinubu administration’s performance, pointing to a major road project where only 30 kilometres have been completed out of a planned 700 in two years. “They threw a party to celebrate just 4% of the project. Can you imagine? The money wasted on that celebration could’ve done more for the road itself,” he said.

Ibe went on to highlight the worsening conditions in Nigeria, noting the country now ranks as the poverty capital of the world and leads Africa in child malnutrition. He defended Atiku’s record, saying the former VP’s work is inspired by the people, not personal ambition.

“Atiku built his name and businesses long before 1999. He has created jobs, invested his own money in his political journey, and never relied on state funds,” he added. He urged the APC to focus on fixing the country rather than constantly watching Atiku, adding that in 2027, it will be Tinubu against the rest of the nation.