Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong critique of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, highlighting what he views as the administration’s lack of coherent planning and reliance on untested, ineffective strategies.
In a statement shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s current economic difficulties stem from “the Tinubu administration’s hasty ascent to power, devoid of a coherent plan.”
Atiku compared Tinubu’s administration with his own proposed solutions, emphasizing that his team developed a “comprehensive Recovery Plan” that included input from various Nigerian stakeholders.
According to him, this approach was “inclusive and well-considered,” in stark contrast to the “erratic, trial-and-error nature” of Tinubu’s economic strategy.
“It is exciting to witness such a vigorous debate on these critical matters,” Atiku wrote, adding that he hopes the discourse will ultimately benefit Nigeria and its citizens.
He suggested that, unlike his own plan, Tinubu’s administration lacks a proactive approach to addressing Nigeria’s economic crisis.
He criticized the administration’s response to recent economic hardships, suggesting that its main strategy appears to be reliance on “a national prayer led by the First Lady and the NSA.”
Atiku further noted that during his tenure as vice president from 1999 to 2003 under the Obasanjo administration, Nigeria’s economy recorded significant growth, achieving an average GDP growth rate of 6.59% and reaching a peak of 15% in 2002.
He contrasted these figures with what he referred to as the “dismal 2.8%” GDP growth rate under Tinubu’s government, which he labeled a “novice administration” implementing “shambolic economic policies.”
Questioning Tinubu’s focus on taxation as a solution, Atiku pointed to nations like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Monaco, which have achieved economic growth through lower taxation.
“We cannot hope to tax our way out of the economic quagmire wrought by these misguided experimental policies,” he remarked, adding that higher taxes would only add to the hardship of Nigerians.
Addressing his political stance, Atiku reiterated his position regarding the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, asserting that “the election was criminally stolen from the Nigerian people.”
He expressed his belief that Nigerians “did not lose” the election, suggesting that their current economic predicament results from an administration he claims lacks legitimate leadership.
Atiku’s statement has sparked significant discussion among Nigerians, with his comments adding to ongoing debates about the effectiveness of Tinubu’s economic policies and the future direction of Nigeria’s economy.
