Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his claim that the opposition is responsible for hunger and poverty in Nigeria, describing the remark as a desperate attempt to evade responsibility for the economic hardship facing citizens.
Atiku accused the President of blaming political opponents for the consequences of his administration’s policies, insisting that Nigerians were experiencing the effects of government decisions in their homes, markets and communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the former Vice President said Tinubu could not create conditions that worsen hardship and subsequently blame the opposition for drawing attention to the situation.
“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia,” Atiku said.
He argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had governed Nigeria for eight years before Tinubu assumed office and had remained in power under the current administration for more than three years.
According to Atiku, Nigerians were aware of which political party controlled the Federal Government during the period in question and should not be subjected to what he described as attempts to shift responsibility.
“The hardship your administration has brought upon Nigerians is real. You cannot deny it by blaming others,” he stated.
Atiku also questioned the President’s decision to commission the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium, describing the development as an indication of the disconnect between the government and the everyday experiences of ordinary Nigerians.
He maintained that infrastructure projects should be assessed by their actual state of completion and usefulness to the public rather than official ceremonies and political speeches.
“A road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” he said.
## Atiku Questions Economic Policies
The ADC presidential candidate raised questions about the removal of the petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira, arguing that the government must account for the economic consequences of its policies.
He specifically questioned which administration removed the subsidy and presided over the naira’s depreciation from approximately ₦471 to ₦1,329 to the dollar, figures cited in the statement.
Atiku also referred to poverty projections attributed to the World Bank, which he said indicated that 63 per cent of Nigerians could be living below the national poverty line in 2026.
He further criticised the Federal Government’s budgetary arrangements, questioning the extension of the 2024 budget into 2025 alongside the operation of a separate 2025 budget.
The former Vice President also demanded explanations regarding government expenditure and financial transactions, citing ₦7.13 trillion recorded under energy security in 2024 and questions surrounding ₦11.2 trillion in NNPC pipeline-related spending.
He called for greater transparency over the amounts involved, the beneficiaries and the projects or services delivered.
Atiku additionally raised concerns about what he described as a $12.4 billion gap flagged in Nigeria’s external accounts for the first half of 2026. He also questioned the payment of $22.5 million in what the statement described as “other charges” relating to the Abu Dhabi financing facility.
The allegations and figures cited in the statement were presented by Atiku as issues requiring explanations from the Federal Government.
## Security Concerns Also Feature in Criticism
Beyond the economy, Atiku accused the administration of failing to adequately address persistent insecurity across the country.
He pointed to killings, kidnappings and the displacement of residents in affected communities, arguing that the government should focus on protecting lives and property rather than attributing public dissatisfaction to opposition activities.
According to him, Nigerians confronting economic hardship and insecurity deserve clear answers from those entrusted with governing the country.
“You cannot govern for three years, make life harder, and then blame others for describing the hardship. You asked who created the hunger. Nigerians are asking what you have done to end it,” he said.
Atiku maintained that the performance of the government should be judged by measurable improvements in living conditions, economic stability and public safety rather than political rhetoric.
He argued that the administration’s response to criticism should focus on addressing citizens’ concerns instead of questioning the motives of opposition figures.
## 2027 Election to Test Tinubu’s Performance
The ADC presidential candidate also turned his attention to the 2027 general election, describing the forthcoming presidential contest as an opportunity for Nigerians to assess Tinubu’s record in office.
He said the economic difficulties confronting households, businesses and communities would be central to voters’ decisions.
“The 2027 presidential election will be a referendum on your record. Nigerians have felt the cost of your leadership in their homes, markets and communities,” Atiku said.
He further claimed that public dissatisfaction with the administration was already evident, arguing that voters would ultimately determine whether the government had delivered on its promises.
The statement concluded with a rejection of Tinubu’s attempt to blame the opposition for the country’s economic difficulties, insisting that the President must accept responsibility for the policies and outcomes of his administration.
The statement was signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on October 24, 2026.
