“Tinubu Runs the Most Incompetent and Anti-People Government in Nigeria’s History” – Atiku Blasts Presidency on Two-Year Anniversary

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, branding it as “one of the most incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people governments in Nigeria’s democratic history.” The statement, released Thursday to mark Tinubu’s second year in office, accused the administration of deepening the country’s economic and social woes.

Atiku said government policies over the past two years have disproportionately harmed ordinary Nigerians while favouring the wealthy elite. “Policy after policy under this administration has targeted the poor while providing relief and advantage to the rich,” he said. He cited rising costs in healthcare, education, and basic public services as evidence, adding that class-based systems now dominate public life. He noted, for instance, the National Identity Management Commission’s recent 75% fee hike and the introduction of VIP service tiers for identity services, calling it an erosion of citizens’ rights.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also highlighted the sharp increase in public university fees as a barrier for poor families, saying government support has been grossly inadequate.

Atiku pointed to grim statistics to support his criticism, stating that Nigeria has now overtaken Sudan to become the country with the highest number of malnourished children in Africa. “According to the Global Hunger Index 2024, our country is one of the most affected by hunger and malnutrition, occupying the 18th position,” he said.

He also raised alarms over what he described as reckless fiscal policy, accusing the Tinubu administration of driving Nigeria into a deeper debt crisis. “When President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at approximately N49 trillion. In just two years, that figure has skyrocketed to N144 trillion — a 150% increase,” Atiku stated. He warned that ongoing foreign borrowing could push the debt to N183 trillion, while contrasting this with state governments, which he claims have shown better debt discipline.

Atiku dismissed Tinubu’s rationale that new loans are needed to fund the 2025 budget and ease the effects of subsidy removal. “It was the reckless and insensitive way his government removed the subsidy that created much of today’s economic hardship in the first place,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to political opposition and reform. “We are building a strong, united opposition coalition — one that will challenge the excesses of this administration, restore accountability, and return government to the people. We are here to rescue Nigeria. And we will not stop until that goal is achieved.”