Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s criticism of his investment in education, insisting he began his involvement in the sector long before he became Vice-President.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, described Tinubu’s remarks as an attempt to divert public attention from the country’s economic challenges.
In a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he laid the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993, which later developed into the American University of Nigeria.
He maintained that his investment in education predated his involvement in public office.
“My investment in education predates my time in public service. In 1993, while a US court ordered the forfeiture of funds in an account in your name, I was laying the foundation for ABTI Academy,” he said.
Atiku also referred to the forfeiture of $460,000 linked to Tinubu in the United States, arguing that the President’s past should not be shielded from public scrutiny while questioning his own business record.
The former Vice-President further challenged Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living, insecurity, unemployment and worsening poverty, arguing that the President had not provided Nigerians with a convincing reason to seek re-election in 2027.
He questioned the government’s position on fuel subsidy removal, saying Nigerians were yet to see the promised benefits of the policy.
“You say Nigeria cannot return to subsidy and must move forward. But you cannot even tell Nigerians where you are taking them. Forward into deeper poverty, mounting debt, insecurity and mass unemployment?” he asked.
Atiku also faulted the administration’s handling of the economic situation, alleging that its policies had pushed more than 79 million Nigerians into extreme poverty.
He criticised a recent comment attributed to the Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, accusing the government of dismissing the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
“How can you solve a problem you refuse to acknowledge?” he asked.
The exchange followed Tinubu’s criticism of Atiku’s investment in education and his question about how the former Vice-President established a university while serving in government.
