LAGOS, May 29, 2025 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, leading a coalition of opposition figures, has launched a blistering attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, branding it “incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people” in a statement issued today by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, accused the government of plunging Nigeria into deeper poverty, mismanaging public funds, and prioritizing the elite over ordinary citizens, while pledging to build a united front to challenge the administration’s policies.
In a strongly worded critique, Atiku highlighted the administration’s economic missteps, pointing to a 150% surge in Nigeria’s public debt—from N49 trillion in 2023 to N144 trillion in 2025—with plans for further borrowing potentially pushing the figure to N183 trillion. He contrasted this with the state government’s fiscal discipline, noting their debt reduction from N5.86 trillion to N3.97 trillion, and accused the federal government of driving Nigeria’s debt crisis.
The opposition leader criticized the “reckless and insensitive” removal of the fuel subsidy, which he said triggered widespread economic hardship. Citing the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Atiku noted Nigeria’s 18th global ranking in hunger and malnutrition, overtaking war-torn Sudan as Africa’s capital of malnourished children. He further slammed policies favoring the wealthy, such as the National Identity Management Commission’s 75% fee hike with VIP protocols and unaffordable public university fee increases, which he argued exclude the poor from essential services.
“Policy after policy targets the poor while providing relief to the rich,” Atiku stated. “This government has set new records in wasteful spending while millions struggle to survive.”
Atiku’s coalition rejected claims that new borrowing is necessary to fund the 2025 budget or mitigate subsidy removal impacts, calling such justifications “weak and dishonest.” He accused the administration of fostering a class-based system and risking Nigeria’s slide into a one-party state where dissent is silenced.
“We are building a strong, united opposition to challenge this administration’s excesses, restore accountability, and return government to the people,” the statement read. “We will protect every Nigerian’s right to freely choose their leaders and fight for economic justice and political freedom.”
The coalition’s emergence, led by Atiku, signals a bold move to consolidate opposition forces ahead of future elections. Stakeholders Magazine sought comment from the Presidency but received no response by press time. As economic challenges mount, Atiku’s call for action is likely to resonate with a frustrated populace, setting the stage for a heated political battle.
