May 29: "You Have Failed": Atiku Blows Hot as Tinubu Marks 2 Years in Office

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar slammed President Tinubu’s administration as one of Nigeria’s most incompetent, accusing it of worsening poverty and favouring the elite
• Atiku highlighted Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis, citing a 75% fee hike on national ID cards and rising university costs that hurt the poor while benefiting the wealthy
• He condemned the sharp rise in public debt under Tinubu, called the subsidy removal reckless, and urged a united opposition to fight for justice, freedom, and accountability

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration on its second anniversary, describing it as one of the most incompetent and disconnected governments in Nigeria’s democratic history.

In a statement cited by Legit.ng and released on Thursday, May 29, Atiku accused the government of deepening poverty and prioritising the elite at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

Government widens poverty and inequality, Atiku claims

Atiku, in the statement released via X, highlighted that Nigeria has become the world’s poverty capital and ranks 18th on the Global Hunger Index 2024, surpassing even war-torn Sudan in malnutrition rates.

He condemned policy decisions, such as the 75% increase in National Identity Management fees and soaring university charges, which he said favour the wealthy and marginalise the poor.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, government officials live in excess and approve budgets that benefit the elite. Policy after policy targets the poor while providing relief to the rich," Atiku said.

Debt crisis worsens under Tinubu’s watch

The former vice president also condemned the sharp rise in Nigeria’s public debt from approximately N49 trillion in 2023 to N144 trillion today, a 150% increase.

He blamed the federal government for driving the debt crisis, contrasting this with state governments’ efforts to reduce theirs.

“The justification that new borrowing is needed to fund the 2025 budget and soften fuel subsidy removal effects is weak and dishonest. It was the reckless removal of the subsidy that created much of today’s hardship," Atiku said.

Atiku concluded by calling for a united opposition to challenge what he described as “elite control” and to fight for economic justice, political freedom, and a government accountable to all Nigerians.

“We are here to rescue Nigeria. And we will not stop until that goal is achieved,” he declared.

Analyst tackles Atiku, calls him 'shameless rerunner'

Political analyst and lawyer, Barrister Hassan Dotun, has berated Atiku over his latest criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government, describing Atiku as a “shameless perennial rerunner” who lacks the credibility or capacity to lead Nigeria.

Speaking with Legit.ng on Thursday, May 29, Dotun said:

“Atiku has nothing new to offer Nigerians. For someone who has contested for president more times than any living Nigerian, one would expect a legacy of fresh ideas, but all he offers is recycled rhetoric and blame games.

"He is the wrong messenger trying to paint a picture of rescue. If given the opportunity to lead this country, Atiku would perform woefully. Nigerians have seen through his desperation, and frankly, his repeated ambition is becoming both embarrassing and insulting to the electorate.”

Atiku, PDP blow hot over widespread endorsements of Tinubu

Previously Legit.ng reported that former vice president Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have strongly dismissed the recent wave of endorsements for President Bola Tinubu.

The duo, however, called the endorsements by APC governors and stakeholders a sign of panic and desperation.

Speaking, Atiku expressed confidence in the coalition’s ability to challenge and defeat the ruling party in the 2027 elections, while the PDP pointed to the growing dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s leadership, particularly regarding his economic policies and governance.

Source: Legit.ng