Atiku Tells Tinubu to Tackle Hunger, Insecurity Instead of Political Opponents

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on tackling Nigeria's worsening hunger, insecurity and economic hardship rather than engaging in political battles ahead of the 2027 general election. His remarks came in response to Tinubu's recent declaration that he was prepared to "wrestle" his political opponents to the finish.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the President's comments as political grandstanding, arguing that Nigerians are more concerned about the rising cost of living than campaign rhetoric. He said Tinubu should devote his energy to addressing inflation, unemployment, food insecurity and the country's deteriorating security situation.

According to Atiku, the President should "wrestle" with the millions of Nigerians who struggle to afford food, the insecurity that has displaced farming communities and the economic challenges affecting businesses and households across the country. He argued that political threats would not reduce food prices, strengthen the naira or improve the welfare of citizens.

The former vice president further maintained that Tinubu's greatest political challenge was not the opposition but the record of his own administration. He said every unemployed graduate, struggling business owner, victim of insecurity and hungry family reflected the issues the government should prioritise instead of focusing on electoral contests.

Atiku also stressed that democracy is decided through the ballot box rather than combative political rhetoric. He urged the President to spend the remainder of his tenure addressing Nigeria's pressing economic and security challenges, insisting that voters in 2027 would judge the administration based on its performance in office rather than political declarations.