Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The 2027 presidential race has taken a dramatic and bitter turn as former Vice President and African Democratic Congress candidate, Atiku Abubakar, launched a blistering attack on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, declaring that he is "competing with thieves" who have stolen Nigeria's election, its economy, and its future. In a video shared on his social media platform on Tuesday night, August 25, 2026, the leading opposition figure did not hold back in his condemnation of the current government. Addressing his supporters, Atiku declared, "We are competing with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything."
The former vice president's explosive remarks represent one of the most scathing indictments of the Tinubu administration by a major political rival. His comments come just days after President Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027, dismissed Atiku's economic proposals as evidence of "serious ignorance on governance and economy". Atiku, however, was unrepentant, insisting that his assessment was based on the harsh realities facing millions of Nigerians. He linked the current economic hardship directly to the President's decision to remove the fuel subsidy in 2023, arguing that the policy has caused unprecedented suffering. "The removal of subsidy has driven more Nigerians into poverty than at any other time," he lamented.
Central to Atiku's counter-argument is his unwavering pledge to restore the fuel subsidy if he is elected president in 2027. The ADC candidate also used the platform to clarify his policy stance, firmly disowning a recent statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, which suggested that an Atiku administration would restore the subsidy only to later phase it out. "So many Nigerians have been calling me to say that one of my aides had contradicted me in my policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned," Atiku said. He was categorical in his response: "I want to repeat categorically that what I said I will return subsidy, I will. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens". He added that Ibe's comments were unauthorized and did not reflect his plans.
Atiku's attack on the Tinubu government extends beyond the issue of subsidy removal. By accusing the administration of stealing the election and the economy, he is tapping into a deep well of public discontent over rising living costs and persistent insecurity. He has framed his campaign as a battle to reclaim the nation's destiny from what he describes as a criminal enterprise. The ADC candidate has also promised to make the country's welfare and security the "fundamental responsibility" of his government if elected. In his words: "Two, I will make sure we secure this country".
The war of words between the two political heavyweights has set a combative tone for the 2027 election season. While President Tinubu has dismissed his rival's proposals, Atiku's "competing with thieves" narrative is a direct challenge to the legitimacy of the current administration. His promise to restore the fuel subsidy, a politically sensitive issue, is a clear appeal to voters who have felt the pinch of rising fuel and food prices. As the campaign intensifies, Atiku has also declared that the 2027 election will be his final attempt at the presidency, making this race a personal crusade. With both sides now locked in a fierce rhetorical battle, the stakes for the 2027 election could not be higher.
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