‘Not Our Fault’: Atiku Hits Back at Tinubu Over Hardship Blame

By Segun Adebayo

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hit back at President Bola Tinubu over his claim that opposition parties were responsible for the hunger and hardship facing Nigerians.

Tinubu made the remark in Kaduna on Saturday during the flag-off of his campaign for a second term in office, accusing opposition parties of creating the conditions responsible for the country’s economic difficulties.

But Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, dismissed the claim as an attempt to deflect responsibility for the economic challenges under the current administration.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said Tinubu could not blame the opposition for the consequences of his government’s policies.

“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia. The APC governed Nigeria for eight years before you took office. You have added another three and a half years.

“Nigerians know who has been in power, and hardship did not begin when the opposition started talking about it. Stop insulting their intelligence and answer for your record,” he said.

Atiku questioned the administration’s handling of the economy, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira, asking which government was responsible for the policies and their consequences.

He also cited the World Bank’s poverty projections, budget implementation and spending on energy security, demanding explanations for what he described as unresolved questions surrounding public expenditure.

The former vice president further questioned spending linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s pipeline operations, the country’s external accounts and charges associated with an Abu Dhabi financing facility.

“Which administration is responsible for the killings, kidnappings and displacement that continue to terrorise communities? These are the questions Nigerians are asking while your government blames the opposition,” Atiku said.

He also criticised the administration over the commissioning of the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, alleging that the project was unfinished.

“Your decision to commission the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium shows how far removed you are from the daily reality of Nigerians. A road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon cutting ceremony,” he said.

Atiku maintained that the administration should be judged by its record and the living conditions of Nigerians rather than its explanations at campaign rallies.

“The 2027 presidential election will be a referendum on your record. Nigerians have felt the cost of your leadership in their homes, markets and communities,” he said.