Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to address Nigerians directly on his administration’s performance before seeking another four-year mandate in the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku’s position was conveyed on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The opposition presidential candidate argued that Tinubu should explain the economic consequences of his policies over the past three and a half years rather than rely on governors, ministers and political defectors to defend the administration.
Atiku’s comments followed Tinubu’s remarks at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, where the President indicated that he might not accompany campaign officials to every destination because of his responsibilities as head of government.
Reacting to the development, Atiku questioned the administration’s response to economic hardship and argued that Nigerians deserved a direct account of its record before being asked to renew Tinubu’s mandate.
“Tinubu says he may miss campaign rallies because Nigeria needs his attention. Where was that urgency when Nigerians pleaded for relief?” Atiku said in the statement issued through Shaibu.
He added that the President should explain the impact of his policies on households struggling with rising living costs and declining purchasing power.
According to Atiku, families have faced difficult choices involving food, healthcare and other essential expenses, making an assessment of the administration’s performance a central issue ahead of the next election.
The former vice-president also criticised the idea of asking Nigerians for another term without first providing a detailed explanation of the outcomes of the current administration’s policies.
The exchange highlights the growing political contest over economic management as parties prepare for the 2027 general election.
Tinubu’s administration has defended its economic reforms as necessary measures to stabilise public finances and reshape the economy. Opposition figures, including Atiku, have questioned the pace and distribution of the benefits.
The debate is likely to intensify as political campaigns move towards policy comparisons, economic performance and competing proposals for addressing the cost of living.