Blaming Opposition For Hunger Is ‘Delusion’ — Atiku Tells Tinubu

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for blaming opposition politicians for hunger and poverty in Nigeria, describing the president’s remarks as “delusion” and an attempt to evade responsibility for the country’s economic challenges.

Atiku’s reaction followed Tinubu’s comments at the launch of his re-election campaign in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24, 2026, where the president accused opposition politicians of creating the hunger and poverty his administration was working to address.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku argued that the president should accept responsibility for the consequences of his administration’s economic policies.

“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia,” Atiku said.

He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had governed Nigeria for eight years before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, arguing that the ruling party could not distance itself from the country’s economic difficulties.

According to Atiku, Nigerians are experiencing the effects of rising living costs and declining purchasing power, making it necessary for the government to focus on solutions rather than political accusations.

The former vice-president also questioned the consequences of the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system, which he linked to higher transportation costs, increased prices of goods and pressure on household incomes.

He further raised questions about government expenditure, including spending recorded under energy security, pipeline-related expenditure involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and a reported gap in Nigeria’s external accounts for the first half of 2026.

Atiku also criticised the commissioning of the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, alleging that the road remained unfinished despite the ceremony. He argued that public infrastructure projects should be assessed by their actual completion and benefits to citizens.

On security, the ADC chieftain questioned the government’s handling of killings, kidnappings and displacement affecting communities across the country.

He maintained that Nigerians would judge the administration by their living conditions, security and access to basic necessities rather than campaign statements.

Tinubu’s administration has defended its economic reforms, which include the removal of petrol subsidies and foreign exchange adjustments, as measures intended to improve public finances and strengthen the economy. However, the reforms have also contributed to significant cost-of-living pressures.

The exchange comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with economic hardship and security expected to remain central issues in the contest.