Presidency Reacts to Atiku Abubakar’s Criticism of Tinubu Administration

The Presidency has issued a pointed response to recent criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Atiku’s remarks were described as “unfair” and “rooted more in animosity than objective analysis.”

Onanuga defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, calling them the most ambitious Nigeria has seen in decades. “Unless former Vice President Atiku allowed personal grievances to cloud his judgment, he should, in good conscience, acknowledge the significant progress and achievements made by this administration over the past two years,” Onanuga stated.

He highlighted major reforms such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system, noting that while these steps were long acknowledged as necessary by previous administrations—including the Obasanjo-Atiku era—they were never implemented until now.

According to Onanuga, the reforms have helped stabilize government finances, reduce corruption, and attract foreign investment. He pointed to the Nigerian Exchange’s performance, where the All-Share Index rose from 50,000 to over 110,000, and market capitalization grew from N30 trillion to N69.4 trillion since 2023.

Responding to Atiku’s claims that Tinubu’s policies are anti-people, Onanuga asserted that the administration has ramped up social spending, doubled the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, and introduced targeted support for low-income households. “Some states now pay as much as N85,000,” he said, crediting the increase to enhanced federal allocations.

He also refuted Atiku’s statement that education has become inaccessible, citing the newly introduced Student Loan Scheme. “Over 600,000 students have already benefited,” Onanuga said, noting that while the scheme does not yet cover private institutions such as Atiku’s American University of Nigeria in Yola, it has significantly improved access to public higher education.

On healthcare, he said the government has revitalised primary health centres and expanded insurance coverage, while also working to reduce medicine costs.

Onanuga dismissed Atiku’s assertion that the Tinubu administration is borrowing excessively to fund the 2025 budget, clarifying that the Finance Minister has debunked the claim and that only a modest \$1.2 billion borrowing plan is in place.

He also highlighted fiscal improvements, such as increased revenue, a reduced debt service-to-revenue ratio (from 93% to 60%), and the full repayment of Nigeria’s \$3.4 billion IMF loan acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tinubu government, Onanuga added, has ended the longstanding practice of deficit financing through the Central Bank’s Ways and Means advances.

“Despite the challenges, this administration has worked vigorously to lessen the pain of reforms,” Onanuga stated. “Inflation is easing, food production is rising, and the foundation for a more prosperous, just, and inclusive Nigeria is being laid.”

In closing, the Presidency urged Atiku and other opposition figures to offer constructive criticism and viable policy alternatives. “Democracy thrives on debate, but Nigerians deserve leaders who propose solutions, not just partisan rhetoric,” the statement read.

President Tinubu, Onanuga emphasized, remains committed to democratic principles and will not curtail the rights of his critics.