The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of implementing policies that are worsening poverty and economic hardship among Nigerians.
Atiku said he would continue to challenge the administration’s policies and hold the government accountable, regardless of the electoral calendar.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said Nigerians had lost significant purchasing power as a result of inflation and other economic pressures under the Tinubu administration.
“A President who can inflict this much pain on Nigerians should be able to survive hearing his own name,” Atiku said.
He argued that respect for the presidency should not be enforced through intimidation, but should instead be earned through what he described as competent leadership, compassion and tangible results.
Atiku also rejected the suggestion that opposition to government policies should be limited to election periods, insisting that accountability should be continuous.
“Opposition is not seasonal. Accountability does not observe an electoral timetable,” he said.
He further criticised the government’s description of the current economic difficulties as “transient discomfort,” arguing that the impact of rising costs was being felt differently by Nigerians across various sectors.
“For the hungry child, this is not discomfort. For the bankrupt trader, this is not reform. For the unemployed graduate, this is not a foundation. It is failure,” Atiku said.
He also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the government did not put sufficient measures in place to protect Nigerians from its economic consequences.
Atiku’s comments came amid an ongoing exchange between members of the opposition and the Tinubu administration over the government’s economic policies, rising living costs and the conduct of political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
