Abuja – Former Vice President and leading opposition figure, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing rebuke of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in opposition party affairs instead of addressing Nigeria’s escalating economic and security crises.
In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku slammed Tinubu’s recent comments targeting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. He alleged that the presidency is deploying government institutions and resources to weaken alternative political voices and push the country toward a one-party dictatorship.
“President Tinubu should first resolve the visible rift between himself and Vice President Kashim Shettima and fix Nigeria’s broken economy before meddling in the affairs of the ADC,” the statement read.
Atiku criticized the administration for prioritizing political scheming over the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, accusing Tinubu of obsessing over his 2027 re-election bid while insecurity, hunger, and poverty deepen across the nation.
He further claimed that the presidency was behind efforts to sow discord between supporters of himself and Peter Obi, describing it as a failed attempt to fracture the opposition coalition.
“We are fully aware that the supposed disagreements between supporters of Atiku and Peter Obi were orchestrated by the presidency. That divisive tactic has failed. The coalition is stronger than ever,” he stated.
Labeling the APC-led government as “directionless and incompetent,” Atiku said the administration is out of touch with the realities faced by Nigerians. He also accused Tinubu of misusing anti-corruption agencies to pressure opposition figures into defecting to the APC.
“Tinubu is using state institutions to intimidate opposition leaders, but he fears the coalition. He knows it is this coalition that will remove him from power—whether back to Bourdillon or Iragbiji,” the statement added.
Atiku concluded by urging Tinubu to stop the distractions and focus on solving Nigeria’s real problems, reaffirming the opposition coalition’s readiness to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.
