By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Paris, arguing that the country requires focused leadership rather than what he described as “a Paris menu”.
Atiku, a long-standing opposition figure and presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, took aim at the trip in a public statement, suggesting that the visit did not reflect the urgency of Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges.
He questioned the value of such foreign engagements at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, currency instability and widespread hardship.
“What Nigeria needs now is good leadership and not a Paris menu,” Atiku said, accusing the administration of prioritising foreign travel over domestic governance.
The remarks add to ongoing political tensions, as critics continue to challenge the president’s approach to managing the economy and restoring public confidence.
The Presidency has not yet issued a formal response to Atiku’s comments, though officials have previously defended Tinubu’s overseas trips as necessary for attracting investment and strengthening diplomatic ties.
Atiku’s critique is the latest in a series of statements positioning him as one of the government’s most vocal opponents as Nigeria navigates a turbulent socio-economic landscape.
