Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Day address, arguing that the administration’s message of economic prosperity does not reflect the difficulties confronting many Nigerians.
Atiku, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks in a speech delivered at the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
He said millions of Nigerians continued to struggle to afford food, earn adequate wages and travel safely.
Atiku Raises Concerns Over Cost of Living
Atiku argued that the economic pressures experienced by households had intensified during Tinubu’s time in office.
He said families were struggling to meet basic needs, with some reportedly skipping meals, delaying medical treatment and borrowing money to cover daily expenses.
The former Vice President also questioned the administration’s presentation of economic progress, arguing that the benefits of government policies were not sufficiently visible in the lives of ordinary citizens.
His comments came in response to Tinubu’s Independence Day address, in which the President defended his economic reforms and said they were intended to correct long-standing structural problems.
Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians remained under financial pressure but argued that the reforms would help create the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Competing Assessments of the Economy
The exchange highlights differing political assessments of the administration’s economic record.
Atiku’s criticism focuses on the immediate consequences of higher living costs and the difficulty households face in meeting essential expenses.
The Federal Government, by contrast, has argued that its reforms are intended to address long-standing economic distortions and improve the country’s future growth prospects.
Assessing these competing claims requires examining measurable economic indicators alongside household income, inflation, employment and access to essential services.
Atiku’s remarks add to the political debate surrounding Nigeria’s economic direction as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.