Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for blaming opposition politicians for Nigeria's hunger and poverty, arguing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must take responsibility for the country's economic conditions after more than 11 years in power.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the remarks in a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
His response followed Tinubu's remarks at the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State, where the President accused his political opponents of creating the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians.
Addressing supporters at the Kaduna rally, Tinubu said his administration was working to address economic problems he attributed to the opposition.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger; they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the President said.
Responding, Atiku rejected the accusation and questioned why the ruling party would blame opposition figures for economic difficulties after controlling the Federal Government since 2015.
“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia,” Atiku said.
He pointed out that the APC governed Nigeria for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, adding that the current administration must also account for its economic decisions.
Atiku maintained that Nigerians were experiencing genuine financial difficulties and that the government should address their concerns rather than dismiss criticism from political opponents.
The former vice-president specifically questioned the removal of the petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira, arguing that both developments had contributed to rising living costs.
He also cited a World Bank estimate suggesting that 63 per cent of Nigerians would live below the national poverty line in 2026, using the projection to challenge the government's economic performance.
Atiku raised additional questions about public expenditure, including the extension of the 2024 federal budget into 2025, reported energy security spending and expenditure associated with pipeline operations by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
He called for greater transparency over the funds, asking the administration to explain the beneficiaries and outcomes of the expenditure.
The ADC candidate also criticised Tinubu's inauguration of the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway during the Kaduna campaign event, alleging that the road remained unfinished.
“A road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” he said.
Atiku further challenged the government over persistent insecurity, citing killings, kidnappings and displacement affecting communities across the country.
He argued that the administration should be assessed on its response to these problems rather than its criticism of opposition parties.
Tinubu, however, defended his administration's economic reforms during the campaign rally, maintaining that his government was working to address inherited economic challenges.
The President has consistently defended the removal of petrol subsidies and other economic measures as necessary reforms intended to strengthen public finances and support longer-term economic stability.
Although the reforms have been associated with improvements in some fiscal and financial indicators, Nigerians have also experienced significant increases in living costs, particularly fuel and transportation expenses.
The disagreement comes as the APC and opposition parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku maintained that voters should assess the government's performance through their living conditions and the administration's record on economic management and security.
Stone Reporters News
stonereportersnews.com
info@stonereportersnews.com | Facebook: Stone Reporters News | X: @StoneReportNew | Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments