Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, criticising its handling of the economy, rising insecurity, and governance standards, while declaring his resolve to push for political change in the 2027 general elections.
In a New Year message to Nigerians, Atiku described the past year as one of the most punishing periods in the country’s recent history, attributing widespread hardship to what he termed economic mismanagement, lack of empathy in governance, and growing authoritarian tendencies under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
Economic Hardship and Governance Failures
Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of presiding over what he called “economic suffocation” and policy inconsistency, arguing that ordinary Nigerians bore the brunt of decisions taken without adequate planning or compassion. He said the absence of a functional budget for several months, coupled with what he described as excessive borrowing, weakened investor confidence and deepened economic uncertainty.
The former vice-president further alleged that government reforms were poorly executed, pointing to controversies surrounding a disputed tax law as a symbol of administrative decay. According to him, credible reform cannot be built on questionable foundations, warning that governance anchored on legal and procedural lapses cannot deliver prosperity.
He maintained that unemployment, labour unrest, and the collapse of small businesses worsened citizens’ living conditions, noting that demands for public sacrifice rang hollow when political leaders continued to enjoy comfort. Atiku argued that leadership must share in the pain of the people to command moral authority.
Insecurity, Institutions, and Democratic Concerns
On national security, Atiku said Nigeria witnessed a troubling escalation of kidnappings, abductions, and violent crimes across several regions in 2025. He contended that the inability of the government to protect lives and property compounded public anxiety and eroded trust in state institutions.
He also accused the ruling party of deliberately weakening democratic structures, alleging attempts to intimidate opposition voices and tilt the political landscape towards a de facto one-party system. According to Atiku, such actions threaten pluralism and undermine the foundations of democratic governance.
The former vice-president criticised what he described as selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, claiming that institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were being used to target political opponents while allies of the government were shielded. He warned that justice loses credibility when applied unevenly.
Atiku Call for Mobilisation Ahead of 2027
Looking ahead, Atiku expressed concern about the integrity of future elections, arguing that a government accused of tampering with laws could not be trusted to guarantee free and fair polls. He urged Nigerians to remain resilient and actively engage in the democratic process.
Calling 2026 a year of preparation, he appealed to citizens to mobilise, organise, and persuade voters in anticipation of the 2027 elections. He framed the coming polls as an opportunity to reject hunger, insecurity, unemployment, corruption, and misinformation, insisting that Nigeria deserves better leadership and dignity for its people.
Atiku concluded by reaffirming his belief in the resilience of Nigerians, stating that despite government failures, the nation endured because of the strength and determination of its citizens rather than the competence of those in power.
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