Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly interfering in the affairs of opposition parties while neglecting Nigeria’s deepening economic and security crises.
In a strongly worded statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused President Tinubu of using public resources and state institutions to destabilize rival political groups in a bid to pave the way for a one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement followed Tinubu’s recent remarks mocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the 14th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“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’s camp further alleged that the presidency is sponsoring divisions within opposition ranks, particularly between supporters of Atiku and Peter Obi, in a failed attempt to fracture the growing coalition ahead of 2027.
“We are fully aware that the supposed disagreements between supporters of Atiku and Peter Obi within the Coalition were deliberately stirred up by the presidency. Sadly for them, that divisive tactic has failed. The cracks have been mended, and the Coalition is now stronger than ever,” the statement added.
Lashing out at the APC-led government, Atiku described it as “directionless, incompetent, and completely disconnected from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians,” citing rising insecurity, hunger, and poverty as evidence of poor governance.
He also accused the Tinubu administration of weaponizing anti-corruption agencies to pressure opposition figures into defecting to the APC.
The former Vice President called on President Tinubu to “end the political distractions” and focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing millions of Nigerians.
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