Atiku Slams Tinubu’s Government on Democracy Day: “Incompetent, Anti-People, and Recklessly Disconnected”
As Nigeria marks two years under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique, branding the government as “one of the most incompetent and anti-people regimes in Nigeria’s democratic era.”
Atiku’s remarks, released in a Democracy Day statement, reflect deep concerns over the trajectory of Nigeria’s economy, growing inequality, and what he describes as a “disconnect between the government and the reality of ordinary Nigerians.”
Mounting Economic Hardships
According to Atiku, instead of delivering on promises of progress, Tinubu’s government has overseen a rise in poverty, hunger, and public suffering. He pointed to Nigeria’s dire placement in the Global Hunger Index 2024, where the country ranks 18th in the world for hunger and malnutrition—surpassing even war-torn Sudan in child malnutrition.
“It’s tragic that we’ve become the capital of malnourished children in Africa. Every policy seems to punish the poor and reward the elite,” Atiku lamented.
He criticized sweeping hikes in public service fees, including the 75% increase by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) which introduced a VIP protocol system, effectively placing national identification out of reach for millions of ordinary citizens.
Education and Social Services Under Siege
Atiku further attacked the government’s handling of education, calling the rising cost of university education under Tinubu “a systematic assault on poor families.”
“Higher education is no longer a right but a privilege for the wealthy. The government has done little to create support structures for students from low-income backgrounds,” he added.
This stratification, he argued, is turning Nigeria into a society where access to basic rights is determined by wealth.
Debt Crisis and Fiscal Recklessness
One of the most alarming points in Atiku’s statement was the exponential rise in Nigeria’s public debt. Under Tinubu, Nigeria’s debt reportedly ballooned from ₦49 trillion to ₦144 trillion in just two years—a staggering 150% increase.
Atiku questioned the credibility of Tinubu’s justification for this borrowing spree — citing the need to fund the 2025 budget and cushion the blow of fuel subsidy removal.
“This administration created the hardship it now claims to solve with more debt. The subsidy removal was not the problem; it was the reckless and poorly-planned execution,” he stated.
He also noted that state governments have actually reduced their debts, demonstrating more fiscal discipline than the federal government, which he claims is now the chief architect of Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis.
A Call for Opposition and Accountability
Ending on a defiant note, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing a united political opposition, saying the current administration has “betrayed the trust of Nigerians.”
“We’re building a coalition to challenge this government’s excesses, defend democracy, and restore governance that serves the people,” he said. “We will not stop until Nigeria is rescued.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
Atiku’s sharp words come at a pivotal moment. With growing discontent over inflation, insecurity, and governance failures, his message echoes the sentiments of millions who feel left behind by current policies. However, critics of Atiku also argue that he represents a political class responsible for Nigeria’s longstanding systemic failures raising questions about whether opposition forces are truly prepared to offer the transformative leadership the country needs.
Regardless, as Nigeria continues to grapple with deepening challenges, one thing is clear: the 2027 political landscape may be shaped as much by opposition voices as it is by those currently in power.th
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