Atiku to Tinubu: Stop Ghosting, Shadow-Chasing Over Pensions

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired back at President Bola Tinubu over comments linking him to unpaid pension liabilities arising from the privatisation of government enterprises during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Atiku described the allegations as an attempt to "ghost and shadow-chase" instead of addressing the pressing economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.

In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku said the Obasanjo/Atiku administration laid the foundation for Nigeria's current contributory pension scheme, which he argued has become one of the country's most sustainable public sector reforms. He insisted that the pension reforms introduced during that period were designed to protect workers' retirement savings and improve transparency in pension administration.

The former presidential candidate urged President Tinubu to focus on tackling rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis rather than blaming previous administrations. According to Atiku, Nigerians expect practical solutions to the country's current challenges instead of political rhetoric and accusations.

The exchange followed President Tinubu's remarks accusing Atiku of leaving behind unpaid pension obligations after the privatisation of government-owned enterprises, while claiming that his administration is clearing those liabilities. The latest war of words adds to the growing political exchanges between both leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.