Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his reported intention to seek a second term, insisting that the President must explain his administration’s record to Nigerians before asking for another mandate.
Atiku accused Tinubu of relying on governors, ministers and politicians who recently defected to defend his government instead of directly addressing the economic difficulties Nigerians have experienced over the past three and a half years.
The former vice president made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku questioned Tinubu’s explanation that his presidential responsibilities could prevent him from attending some campaign rallies, arguing that the President should demonstrate the same urgency in addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
“Tinubu says he may miss campaign rallies because Nigeria needs his attention. Where was that urgency when Nigerians pleaded for relief?” Atiku asked.
He alleged that many households had been forced to reduce their food consumption, delay medical treatment and contend with the declining value of their earnings.
“He has had three and a half years to govern. In that time, families have been forced to cut meals, postpone medical care and watch their earnings lose value before they get home,” he said.
Atiku maintained that Tinubu should account for his administration’s performance before seeking another four-year term.
“Now he wants another mandate. Before asking Nigerians for one, he must face them and account for the first term,” the former vice president stated.
He challenged the President to explain what his government had done to make food more affordable, improve access to healthcare and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Let him look a mother in the eye and explain what his government has done to make food affordable. Let him tell pensioners why they cannot afford their medicines. Let him explain to young Nigerians why years of study and hard work have still not brought them decent jobs,” Atiku said.
The ADC campaign council official also questioned the administration’s focus on meeting the expectations of foreign creditors and investors, arguing that Nigerians facing rising living costs deserved equal attention.
“Tinubu says American creditors cannot wait. Nigerians cannot wait either. They have bills to pay, children to feed and lives to rebuild. They deserve a President who treats their suffering with the same urgency he gives creditors and investors,” he added.
Atiku further dismissed the effectiveness of Tinubu’s political allies in defending the administration, arguing that public experiences would ultimately shape voters’ decisions.
“He cannot fill an empty pot with surrogates. He cannot send a politician into a market to persuade prices to fall,” he said.
He also maintained that Tinubu, rather than members of his campaign council, was responsible for the mandate Nigerians gave the ruling administration in the 2023 presidential election.
“Nigerians will hear whatever his surrogates have to say. But when they vote, they will remember what they have lived through. No crowd of politicians can stand between Tinubu and his record,” Atiku said.
The remarks add to the political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures increasingly challenging the Tinubu administration over economic conditions and its performance in office.
