The presidency has launched a sharp critique of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of harboring a deep-seated envy towards President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
The statement, issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, suggests that Atiku’s continued attacks on the current administration stem from his unresolved frustrations after failing to secure the presidency for the sixth time in 2023
The presidency described Atiku’s repeated criticisms of the Tinubu government as a veiled attempt to discredit the administration’s reform agenda, particularly its economic policies. It pointed out that Atiku’s focus on reviving proposals from his 2023 campaign—ideas which had been widely rejected by the electorate—reveals a tendency to undermine the progress already achieved under President Tinubu.
Onanuga further emphasized that rather than offering constructive solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges, Atiku’s critiques are merely regurgitations of outdated proposals that had been poorly received in the 2023 elections.
The presidency accused Atiku of prioritizing hypothetical scenarios over practical, urgent reforms needed to address the country’s current crises.
The statement also took issue with Atiku’s stance on key policies, notably the fuel subsidy removal. Atiku, who had been vocal in criticizing the complete removal of the subsidy, has suggested a phased approach, which the presidency dismissed as ineffective.
“History has shown that gradual subsidy removals only prolong economic inefficiencies,” Onanuga remarked, contrasting Tinubu’s bold move to eliminate the subsidy, which the government claims has saved the country an estimated N5.4 trillion.
Additionally, the presidency criticized Atiku’s continued advocacy for the privatization of Nigeria’s refineries, citing his past tenure as vice president, where national assets were sold at undervalued prices.
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“Atiku’s call for privatization now appears out of touch with Nigeria’s current needs,” the statement read. Instead, the presidency highlighted Tinubu’s focus on rehabilitating refineries and boosting domestic fuel production.
Onanuga also refuted Atiku’s claims of fighting corruption, pointing to his own controversial tenure in office, which has been marred by corruption allegations involving his family and associates.
The statement underscored that Atiku’s credibility on anti-corruption matters is questionable, given his own political history
