Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claims of economic progress, arguing that the realities faced by millions of Nigerians paint a starkly different picture.
In a statement on Saturday, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate criticised the Federal Government’s economic performance, insisting that widespread hardship, rising inflation and the non-payment of workers’ salaries in several states undermine the administration’s claims of success.
Atiku maintained that while government officials continue to highlight macroeconomic gains, many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities, with households grappling with soaring food prices, high transportation costs and declining purchasing power.
He further pointed to the backlog of unpaid wages and entitlements owed to workers in parts of the country, describing the situation as evidence that the benefits of the administration’s economic policies have yet to reach ordinary citizens.
According to the former vice-president, any assessment of the economy must be measured by its impact on the welfare of Nigerians rather than official statistics alone.
His remarks come amid ongoing political debates over the state of Nigeria’s economy, with the Tinubu administration maintaining that its reforms are laying the foundation for long-term growth despite the short-term economic pains experienced by citizens.
The Presidency has repeatedly defended its economic policies, arguing that key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange adjustments, are necessary to stabilise the economy and attract investment.
The exchange underscores the growing political contest over the country’s economic direction as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
