Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and key figures within Nigeria’s opposition coalition have issued a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as “incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people.”
In a strongly worded statement marking the second anniversary of Tinubu’s presidency, the opposition accused the government of intensifying hardship across the country while enriching the political elite through unchecked spending, debt accumulation, and anti-poor policies.
“In just two years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has proven to be one of the most incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people governments in Nigeria’s democratic history,” Atiku declared.
He added that no previous administration has inflicted such widespread suffering on the populace while showing a blatant disregard for transparency and responsible governance.
Stating the growing socioeconomic divide, Atiku said the Tinubu government has institutionalized inequality through its policies.
“Policy after policy under this administration has targeted the poor while offering protection and advantages to the rich. It is a class war disguised as economic reform,” he said.
Atiku condemned the recent 75% hike in National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) fees, and the introduction of VIP services for what should be basic rights. He also slammed the steep increase in public university tuition, saying the burden is now unbearable for most Nigerian families.
“From healthcare to education to identity management, Nigerians now face systems designed to exclude them unless they can afford to pay a premium,” he said.
The opposition leader further noted that Nigeria’s position in the 2024 Global Hunger Index is alarming, placing 18th among countries most affected by hunger and malnutrition.
“It is tragic that Nigeria has now overtaken Sudan — a war-torn country — as the capital of malnourished children in Africa. This is a national shame,” Atiku lamented.
He also raised concerns over the ballooning national debt, stating that Nigeria’s debt profile has surged from N49 trillion to N144 trillion under Tinubu, a staggering 150% increase in less than two years.
“The federal government, not the states, is driving Nigeria’s debt crisis. While state governments have reduced their debts, Tinubu’s government is mortgaging the future with reckless borrowing,” he said.
Atiku rejected Tinubu’s explanation that the borrowing is necessary to fund the 2025 budget and cushion the impact of subsidy removal, describing the claim as “weak and dishonest.”
“It was this same administration’s unplanned and brutal removal of fuel subsidy that triggered today’s economic crisis. Now they want to borrow to fix what they broke.”
Reaffirming the resolve of the opposition, Atiku warned against attempts to stifle dissent and drag Nigeria into a one-party state.
“We will not stand by and watch democracy be reduced to a tool for elite control. We are building a strong, united opposition that will challenge the excesses of this administration and restore accountability.”
He concluded by reaffirming the coalition’s commitment to the Nigerian people:
“We are here to rescue Nigeria. And we will not stop until that goal is achieved.”
