Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as one of the most “incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people” governments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Atiku announced the formation of a united opposition coalition determined to hold the government accountable and “rescue Nigeria” from worsening hardship and authoritarian tendencies.
The former Vice President accused the Tinubu-led government of deepening poverty, promoting elite privilege, and plunging the country into an unsustainable debt crisis within just two years in office.
“No previous administration has inflicted this level of hardship on the masses while showing such disregard for transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership,” Atiku declared.
Citing Nigeria’s alarming economic indicators, Atiku noted the country now ranks 18th on the 2024 Global Hunger Index and has surpassed war-torn Sudan in child malnutrition rates – a development he called “a national shame.”
He criticized recent policies like the 75 per cent hike in National Identity Management Commission fees and increased public university tuition, arguing they disproportionately hurt the poor while benefiting the wealthy.
“We are seeing a dangerous shift toward a class-based society,” Atiku warned. “The wealthy now enjoy VIP services in healthcare, education, and identity management, while the rest are left to fend for themselves.”
The former presidential candidate expressed particular concern over Nigeria’s debt profile, which he said has surged from N49 trillion in 2023 to N144 trillion – a 150 per cent increase – with additional loans being proposed.
“While state governments have demonstrated fiscal discipline, reducing their debts, the federal government under Tinubu is driving Nigeria deeper into a debt crisis,” Atiku stated, accusing the administration of using loans to fund elite-focused budgets and cover the fallout from “reckless” fuel subsidy removal.
Atiku vowed opposition parties would no longer remain silent, revealing efforts to build a strong coalition to challenge the government and prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
“As opposition leaders and partners committed to Nigeria’s future, we will not stand by and watch democracy be reduced to a tool for elite control,” he said. “We are here to rescue Nigeria. And we will not stop until that goal is achieved.”