Atiku criticises Tinubu over privatisation record, economic hardship claims

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of hypocrisy, historical distortion and intellectual dishonesty in their latest exchange over economic reforms and governance.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s camp described the president’s comments on privatisation as a “reckless tirade”, saying they reflect desperation and inconsistency in his arguments.

The statement argued that Tinubu’s criticism of Atiku’s economic record does not align with past positions he held on similar reforms, adding that the success of the privatisation programme was reflected in several major companies that emerged from the process.

It cited firms such as Oando Plc, Conoil Plc, Ardova Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Benue Cement Company and Transcorp Hilton Abuja as examples of outcomes linked to the reforms supervised by Atiku during his time in office.

The camp also claimed that the current administration’s handling of the national oil company lacks transparency, alleging that reforms are being carried out without clear valuation or accountability.

“The president’s attempt to reduce a serious economic legacy to playground ridicule only underscores a deeper problem: a leadership more comfortable with insults than with facts,” the statement read.

It further criticised the president over his academic and political record, saying unresolved questions around his background weaken his authority to challenge others on integrity.

Atiku’s camp also highlighted worsening economic conditions, pointing to rising inflation, declining purchasing power and growing hardship faced by households and businesses across the country.