2027: Atiku Beginning To Sound Like A Sound Bite

Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, over what he described as repeated promises without clear explanations of how they would be implemented.

Rufai made the remarks on Friday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, while reacting to Atiku’s recent campaign positions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku had criticised the removal of fuel subsidy by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the policy had not delivered the expected benefits to Nigerians.

The former vice president also pledged to reopen Nigeria’s land borders, particularly those in the northern region, to encourage legitimate cross-border trade and create more economic opportunities for young Nigerians.

However, Rufai questioned how Atiku intended to implement his proposals, urging the ADC candidate to provide Nigerians with specific steps rather than making broad campaign declarations.

“Atiku Abubakar is beginning to sound like a public sound bite to me,” Rufai said.

He argued that the former vice president needed to provide more detailed explanations of his policies and demonstrate how his proposed reforms would work in practice.

“There’s no follow-up and no clear idea of how it’s going to be done. Give Nigerians a step-by-step explanation of how you intend to achieve it,” the broadcaster said.

Rufai called for an end to what he described as political hype, stressing that Nigerians deserved concrete policy proposals ahead of the 2027 election.

The comments come amid an increasingly active political debate over fuel subsidy, economic reforms, the cost of living and border policies as political parties position themselves ahead of the next general election.

Atiku has recently intensified his criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy, while presenting his own proposals as alternatives.

His position on reopening the borders has also featured prominently in his recent engagements with supporters. He has argued that restrictions on land borders have negatively affected legitimate transborder trade and contributed to unemployment among young people.

Rufai, however, suggested that Atiku’s proposals should be accompanied by detailed implementation plans that would allow voters to assess their feasibility.

He also acknowledged that the renewed political debate had influenced government action, saying Nigerians should at least recognise Atiku for contributing to pressure that resulted in President Tinubu directing a reduction in Compressed Natural Gas prices.

“Let’s stop all these hypes. At least, we should thank him that, because of him, President Tinubu has directed CNG to reduce its prices,” Rufai said.

The exchange reflects the growing political contest ahead of 2027, with opposition figures increasingly challenging the Federal Government’s economic policies and presenting alternative approaches to Nigerians.