Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has claimed that he did not lose the presidential election but rather that it was “criminally stolen” from him and the Nigerian people. In a series of tweets on Monday, Abubakar expressed his discontent with the current administration’s policies, which he described as “trial-and-error” and blamed them for the “excruciating pain” citizens are experiencing.
Abubakar also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s approach to governance, asserting that Tinubu’s administration lacks a coherent economic plan and is out of touch with Nigerians’ needs. He stated, “We find ourselves in this current economic turmoil due to the Tinubu administration’s hasty ascent to power, devoid of a coherent plan. My team, by contrast, proposed a comprehensive recovery plan with significant input from Nigerians, ensuring that our approach was inclusive.”
He further criticized the government’s recent calls for national prayers, highlighting that these calls were issued only a day after he presented his own alternative solutions, which he argued demonstrated the administration’s lack of substantive policy. “Isn’t it fascinating how the so-called ‘tested’ Tinubu administration’s only policy response seems to be a national prayer led by the First Lady?” Abubakar questioned, while acknowledging the value of prayer but emphasizing the need for diligent labor and practical policies.
In response, the presidency, through Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Abubakar’s claims, stating that the former Vice President’s ideas lacked clarity and were ultimately “rejected” by Nigerians during the 2023 election. Onanuga underscored that Tinubu’s victory demonstrated popular support and legitimacy.
Abubakar, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 alongside President Olusegun Obasanjo, drew comparisons between his administration’s economic achievements and the present situation. He noted that during the early 2000s, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose significantly, peaking at 15% in 2002, a marked contrast to the current economic climate, where GDP growth stands at 2.8%. “Under our economic stewardship between 1999 and 2003, Nigeria soared to the pinnacle of Africa’s economies, while their administration has relegated us to a disheartening fourth position,” he said.
Abubakar further criticized Tinubu’s tax policies, warning against imposing more taxes on an already burdened population. He pointed to countries like the United Arab Emirates and Monaco, which have adopted low-tax environments that foster economic growth, as examples of alternative economic strategies. “Why, then, are we fixated on inflicting further hardship upon an already struggling populace?” he questioned, adding a pointed critique that Tinubu’s government “is anchored to a mere Tea-plan, which can only lead to a T-pain.”
Abubakar’s remarks underscore his belief that the current economic direction is unsustainable and could further destabilize Nigeria’s economic recovery. The former Vice President’s criticisms reflect ongoing political and economic debates in Nigeria, as he continues to advocate for alternative policies he argues would better serve the country’s interests.
