Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fiercely criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of failing to deliver any tangible achievements since its inception and pointing to economic mismanagement as a key factor in the country’s ongoing struggles.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Atiku described Tinubu’s leadership as one without a credible record to defend, claiming that the government’s only strategy appears to be “chaos and division”—a pattern, he argues, that is characteristic of incompetence.
“An incompetent captain does not only wreck his ship; he endangers the lives of everyone on board,” Atiku remarked, drawing a sharp metaphor that underscores his criticism of the current administration’s handling of national affairs.
This outburst from the 2023 presidential candidate follows a wave of high-profile defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fueling further political tensions in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
On Wednesday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State both defected from the PDP to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a similar move, Oluwole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, also crossed over to the APC the same day.
However, Atiku is resolute in his belief that the political battlefield in the upcoming election will not be determined by party alliances but by the people’s collective will to reject a failing administration.
“Let’s be clear: the coming battle is not APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC. It’s Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering,” Atiku declared.
“The economy is collapsing. Inflation is suffocating the masses. Jobs are disappearing. Youth restiveness is at terrifying levels. Nigerians aren’t just tired—they are angry, and rightfully so.”
Atiku emphasized that the country’s survival hinged on unity and a shared purpose, urging Nigerians to resist any efforts by the government to divide the nation along ethnic, regional, or religious lines. These, he argues, are merely distractions from the core issue: the abysmal failure of the Tinubu administration.
“The real enemy is not each other. It is the Tinubu administration’s catastrophic failure. We must reject the manipulation of sentiments—these are tools designed to divide us while those in power have nothing else to offer.”
Reflecting on the growing calls from concerned Nigerians for him to speak out, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the country’s worsening economic and political situation.
As the nation braces for the coming elections, Atiku’s words are a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria—one that many believe can only be overcome through genuine leadership and national unity.
