Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the economic system, insecurity and governance, accusing it of incompetence, lawlessness and political intimidation.
In a New Yr message launched on Thursday, Atiku stated 2025 was some of the “punishing” years in Nigeria’s latest historical past, blaming what he described as financial mismanagement and governance with out empathy underneath the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Authorities.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Get together stated the nation endured “financial suffocation, political recklessness and coverage chapter,” alleging that the Tinubu administration ruled for months and not using a purposeful funds whereas counting on propaganda and extreme borrowing.
Based on him, the controversy surrounding a disputed tax legislation finest mirrored what he referred to as the decay of the present administration.
“A authorities that begins reform with forgery can not finish with prosperity,” he stated.
He additionally accused the ruling celebration of intentionally weakening Nigeria’s democratic establishments, alleging efforts to show the nation right into a de facto one-party state by intimidation and state seize.
The previous vice-president stated insecurity worsened considerably in 2025, with kidnappings, abductions and violent crimes spreading throughout the nation, whereas unemployment, labour unrest and the collapse of small companies deepened residents’ hardship.
“Regardless of these failures, compounded by the appointment of undistinguished and unfit people to characterize Nigeria overseas, the nation survived, not due to authorities competence, however due to the resilience of its folks.
“I urge Nigerians to stay steadfast within the face of those hardships. This is among the most painful New Yr messages I’ve ever written, absolutely conscious of the despair confronting tens of millions because of the callous and soulless insurance policies of the Tinubu-led APC authorities,” he said.
He described calls for for residents to make sacrifices as “merciless,” arguing that leaders dwelling in consolation whereas the plenty endure lack ethical authority.
“Management with out shared ache isn’t management; it’s exploitation,” he said.
Atiku additional criticised what he described as selective anti-corruption enforcement, accusing the federal government of weaponising establishments in opposition to political opponents.
“The so-called anti-corruption campaign of this authorities is a facade; selective, vindictive, and politically motivated. It has change into a instrument for persecuting opposition figures reasonably than cleaning the system.
“Preventing corruption is crucial, however when companies just like the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) are weaponised in opposition to opponents whereas allies take pleasure in immunity, justice is mocked. Establishments should act with out concern or favour,” Atiku stated.
He warned {that a} authorities able to tampering with legal guidelines couldn’t be trusted to conduct free and truthful elections in 2027.
He stated, “I subsequently name on all patriotic Nigerians to have interaction, mobilise, persuade, and organise. Put together to vote and to defend your votes in 2027.
“Allow us to vote out starvation, insecurity, unemployment, dishonesty, corruption, abductions, lies, and propaganda.
“Nigeria deserves higher. Nigerians deserve dignity.
“2026 is the 12 months to until the soil. 2027 is the 12 months of harvest. It’s too late to show again. Allow us to rise, organise, and reclaim our nation.”
