Tackle Nigeria’s Problems Not Political Opponents – Atiku to Tinubu

ABUJA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to channel his energy toward solving Nigeria’s pressing challenges rather than focusing on political opponents ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the President’s biggest challenge is not the African Democratic Congress or any opposition party, but the performance of his administration over the past three years. The remark was in response to President Tinubu’s comments during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, where he said he was prepared to “wrestle” his opponents in next year’s election.

Atiku said the President’s comments appeared to shift attention away from critical national issues. He noted that Nigerians are currently grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, and that government priority should be on improving living conditions. According to him, the administration should be focused on curbing inflation, tackling hunger, restoring security, stabilising the naira and rebuilding public trust in government. He pointed to the reality that many Nigerians are skipping meals because food has become unaffordable, and that insecurity has turned farming communities into danger zones and highways into targets for criminals. Atiku also highlighted rising unemployment and the impact of government policies on citizens.

He stressed that democracy thrives on accountability and performance, and that leaders earn re-election through results and effective governance. He concluded that the 2027 election will not be decided in a wrestling contest but at polling units, where Nigerians will assess the records of those seeking office. He stated that the people are looking for leadership, not political showmanship, and that history will judge leaders by how well they governed.

Written by News Room