Mid-term: Atiku slams Tinubu govt as ‘anti-people’, praises states for reducing debt by ₦1.89trn
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as “one of the most incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people governments” in Nigeria’s democratic history.
In a statement issued Thursday in reaction to the second anniversary of the current administration, Atiku condemned the Federal Government for worsening hardship, deepening poverty, and driving up the country’s debt profile.
“Policy after policy under this administration has targeted the poor while providing relief and advantage to the rich,” Atiku said. “This government has not only deepened poverty across the country, but it has also set new records in wasteful public spending.”
He referenced the 2024 Global Hunger Index, which ranked Nigeria as the 18th most affected country by hunger and malnutrition, noting that Nigeria now surpasses even war-torn Sudan in the number of malnourished children.
Atiku also criticised recent hikes in education and public services, particularly the 75% fee increase by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and soaring public university tuition fees, which he said disproportionately hurt low-income families.
On the fiscal front, he slammed the Tinubu administration for what he described as reckless borrowing. “When President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at ₦49 trillion. In just two years, that figure has skyrocketed to ₦144 trillion — a 150% increase,” he said, warning that the country’s debt burden could rise to ₦183 trillion if current borrowing continues unchecked.
In contrast, Atiku praised subnational governments for showing greater fiscal discipline, noting that state governments collectively reduced their debt burden from ₦5.86 trillion to ₦3.97 trillion — a reduction of ₦1.89 trillion. “The implication is clear: the Federal Government, under Tinubu, is the primary driver of Nigeria’s current debt crisis,” he said.
Atiku also accused the government of silencing dissent and abusing power, vowing that the opposition would not remain silent. “We are building a strong, united opposition coalition — one that will challenge the excesses of this administration, restore accountability, and return government to the people,” he declared.
