Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, describing their impact as harsh and unsustainable for ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the effects of the current administration’s policies are evident in the daily struggles of citizens.
Atiku accused the President of distorting Nigeria’s reform history and described his recent remarks as a “reckless tirade” marked by “hypocrisy and historical amnesia.”
He said many Nigerians are grappling with rising hardship, noting that families are increasingly unable to afford basic needs. According to him, soaring inflation and declining purchasing power have forced businesses to shut down while incomes continue to lose value.
“The cost of living has become unbearable, insecurity persists across communities, and hope is gradually fading,” the statement said, adding that government policies have translated into hardship without providing a clear path to recovery.
Atiku also challenged Tinubu’s stance on privatisation, arguing that his criticisms lack consistency. He recalled that he had long advocated for the privatisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the sale of refineries to credible private investors—positions he claimed Tinubu previously opposed.
The statement further alleged that the current administration is now overseeing what it described as a non-transparent commercialisation of the national oil company, raising concerns about accountability and beneficiaries.
“This is not reform; it is privatisation without accountability,” the statement said.
Defending his record, Atiku cited several companies he said benefited from the privatisation programme he supervised, including Oando Plc, Conoil Plc, Ardova Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Benue Cement Company, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
He also referenced the book The Accidental Public Servant by Nasir El-Rufai as documentation of past reform efforts, which he described as structured initiatives aimed at boosting private sector growth.
The former Vice President further criticised the tone of the President’s comments, saying they reflect a leadership style more focused on mockery than facts.
He concluded that meaningful reforms require transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians, rather than policies that deepen economic hardship.
