Atiku Abubakar criticises APC for fostering poverty and division, but the Presidency dismisses his remarks as cheap talk
Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, the former Vice President told Daily Sun that government policies were politically motivated and poorly conceived.
Also read: Atiku, Obi alliance could weaken APC in 2027 polls
He lamented the growing hunger and frustration in the country, warning that Nigeria risked social upheaval if urgent reforms were not carried out with a human face.
Atiku compared Nigeria’s current hardship to conditions that fuelled the French and Russian revolutions, as well as the Arab Spring. He also argued that the EndSARS protest was rooted in economic despair.
“Nigerians have never been this poor. It is time for reflection. This government must reappraise its policies and put the welfare of citizens first,” he declared.
In defence, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed Atiku as unqualified to speak on governance failures, citing his alleged role in mismanaging oil windfalls and electricity funds during his time in office.
He argued that the opposition leader lacked the moral authority to criticise.
The Presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, rejected Atiku’s claims as “cheap talk” disconnected from reality.
It highlighted “positive developments” including five consecutive months of declining inflation, a record trade surplus with non-oil exports nearing parity with oil, and rising foreign reserves now approaching \$42 billion.
Onanuga stressed that states were witnessing unprecedented revenues, enabling them to pay salaries and fund capital projects.
He insisted Nigeria was “moving in the right direction” under Tinubu’s bold reforms, despite opposition efforts to cast the administration in a negative light.
The government further accused Atiku and the PDP of being responsible for today’s economic woes, pointing to alleged mismanagement during their years in power.
“Atiku and his allies may ignore the progress, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes,” Onanuga said.
Also read: Atiku will never be president, says ex-aide Bwala in bold revelation
With both sides trading sharp words, the gulf between Nigeria’s ruling party and its opposition appears wider than ever, underscoring the tense political climate.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
