Nigerians deserve opposition leaders who provide real alternatives, not just unfounded criticisms. Atiku had his chance to lead and implement reforms—now he should stop misleading Nigerians
The Presidency has strongly reacted to recent criticisms leveled against President Bola Tinubu’s administration by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized President Tinubu’s policies shortly after the President outlined his administration’s accomplishments during the two-year anniversary of his tenure on Thursday.
In response, the Presidency issued a detailed statement signed by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, categorizing Atiku’s comments as “vitriolic,” “unfair,” and driven more by personal animosity than by objective facts.
Onanuga urged Atiku to set aside personal grievances and recognize the tangible progress made by the Tinubu administration. “Unless the former Vice President allows his personal animosities to cloud his judgment, he should, in good conscience, acknowledge the positive achievements recorded in these two years,” he said.
Highlighting Atiku’s own tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, Onanuga pointed out that the former PDP leader had ample opportunity to implement major reforms but failed to do so. In stark contrast, the presidential spokesman emphasized that President Tinubu has taken bold and decisive economic steps to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a fiscal crisis.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market were necessary reforms your administration knew about but neglected to act upon. President Tinubu not only acknowledged these issues—he implemented solutions,” Onanuga stated.
The statement went on to accuse Atiku of ignoring the success of these reforms, which have led to greater financial stability, reduced corruption, and a surge in foreign investment.
Onanuga cited key economic indicators to back this claim, noting the Nigerian Exchange’s All Share Index more than doubled—from 50,000 points to over 110,000—and market capitalization rose from ₦30 trillion to ₦69.4 trillion during Tinubu’s tenure.
Addressing Atiku’s claim that the current administration’s policies were “anti-people,” the Presidency defended its social investment programs. These include a newly introduced Student Loan Scheme benefiting over 600,000 students, and a significant increase in the national minimum wage—from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000—with some states raising wages as high as ₦85,000.
The statement also rebutted criticisms about government borrowing, referencing clarifications from the Finance Minister who confirmed that the 2025 budget is not being funded by fresh loans, contrary to Atiku’s assertions.
“Because Atiku does not like Bola Tinubu’s leadership, he conveniently omits crediting this administration’s fiscal achievements,” Onanuga said. He pointed out that government revenue has increased, the debt service ratio has dropped from 93% to 60%, and that the $3.4 billion IMF loan secured during the COVID-19 pandemic has already been fully repaid.
While acknowledging that reforms often come with challenges, the Presidency maintained that positive outcomes are already evident in reduced inflation rates, improved food production, and rising investor confidence.
Onanuga called on Atiku and his political allies to move beyond “cheap talk and partisan rhetoric” and offer constructive criticism and practical solutions.
“Nigerians deserve opposition leaders who provide real alternatives, not just unfounded criticisms. Atiku had his chance to lead and implement reforms—now he should stop misleading Nigerians.”