APC Cannot Blame Opposition For Hardship After 11 Years In Power — Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for blaming opposition politicians for hunger and poverty in Nigeria, arguing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must accept responsibility for the country’s economic challenges after more than 11 years in power.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, reacted to Tinubu’s remarks at the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24, where the President accused opposition politicians of creating hunger and poverty.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described the President’s comments as an attempt to shift responsibility for the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

He argued that the APC had governed Nigeria for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, adding that the current administration must account for its own policies and performance.

Atiku challenged Tinubu to explain the effects of petrol subsidy removal and the depreciation of the naira, which he said had contributed to the rising cost of living.

He also questioned the administration’s handling of public finances, including the extension of the 2024 budget into 2025 alongside a separate 2025 budget. He demanded explanations for spending figures he cited under energy security and Nigerian National Petroleum Company-related pipeline expenditure.

The former vice-president further raised questions about a reported $12.4 billion gap in Nigeria’s external accounts for the first half of 2026 and $22.5 million in other charges associated with an Abu Dhabi financing facility. He called for greater transparency over public expenditure and clarification of how the funds were used.

Atiku also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, citing killings, kidnappings and displacement in communities across the country.

He questioned the decision to inaugurate the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway from a stadium, alleging that the road remained unfinished. He maintained that public infrastructure projects should be assessed by their actual delivery rather than ceremonial announcements.

Tinubu, during the Kaduna rally, defended his administration’s record and accused opposition politicians of creating the hunger and poverty his government was trying to address.

Atiku said the 2027 presidential election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the administration’s performance, arguing that voters would judge the government by their living conditions and its response to economic and security challenges.

The exchange reflects escalating political disagreements as parties prepare for the 2027 general election, with economic hardship and accountability emerging as central issues in the campaign debate.