“It Is Not My Fault You Can’t Read” — Atiku Fires Back at Tinubu Over Privatisation Remarks

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded sharply to comments from President Bola Tinubu on Nigeria’s privatisation history, dismissing the remarks as misleading and inconsistent with documented reforms.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president rejected Tinubu’s claims and accused him of misrepresenting established records of economic policy.

The statement also referenced Tinubu’s earlier comment that suggested a lack of understanding of reform history, replying that a proper review of the subject is already documented in The Accidental Public Servant, written by Nasir El-Rufai.

Atiku’s office described the president’s remarks as inaccurate and argued that they reflected selective reading of Nigeria’s economic reform process. It also stated that Atiku had consistently supported privatisation of key state-owned enterprises, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and refineries, positions it claims were previously opposed by Tinubu.

The statement further pointed to past privatisation exercises as examples of outcomes linked to those reforms, listing companies such as Oando Plc, Conoil Plc, Ardova Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Benue Cement Company, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

On the current administration’s economic direction, the statement criticised ongoing reforms, arguing that they lack transparency and measurable benchmarks. It described the process as privatisation without clear accountability mechanisms.

It also linked the debate to broader economic conditions, citing inflationary pressure and declining purchasing power across households and businesses. According to the statement, these trends suggest that current policies have not delivered immediate relief for citizens.

The communication concluded by reaffirming that Atiku’s record on economic restructuring remains verifiable and part of the public record, while advising caution in how political disagreements are framed.