President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a fresh attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his record in government and accusing him of being among those responsible for the economic difficulties Nigeria is currently battling.
The President made the remarks on Saturday while addressing supporters at the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally organised at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
His comments came against the backdrop of persistent public complaints about hunger, rising food prices, declining purchasing power and the financial difficulties confronting millions of Nigerian households.
Tinubu, who has repeatedly defended his administration’s economic decisions, argued that those criticising his government’s handling of the situation should also examine the roles they played when they occupied influential positions in previous administrations.
In a direct reference to Atiku, the President suggested that the former vice president was not in a position to distance himself from the problems facing the country, considering his involvement in government during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to Tinubu, his administration is making efforts to address structural and economic problems inherited from previous governments, insisting that the present challenges cannot be blamed entirely on the policies introduced since he assumed office.
He accused some political figures of overlooking their past responsibilities while presenting themselves as critics of the current administration.
“Those people talking of hunger, I’m cleaning the mess they created. Atiku was one of them,” Tinubu declared.
The President’s remarks represented a pointed response to Atiku and other opposition figures who have consistently questioned the government’s economic management and expressed concern about the impact of its policies on ordinary Nigerians.
Tinubu questions Atiku over university establishment
One of the major issues raised by the President during his address was Atiku’s establishment of a university, which he used to question the former vice president’s record while serving in government.
Atiku served as vice president under Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007 and was involved in the administration’s economic management responsibilities.
Tinubu questioned how Atiku was able to establish a university while occupying such an important public office, suggesting that Nigerians deserved to know the source of the resources used to establish the institution.
He specifically challenged the former vice president to explain the circumstances surrounding the university’s establishment, arguing that public office holders should be prepared to answer questions about their activities while in government.
“Ask him how he built a university while in office as vice president in charge of our economy. Who built the university for him? It’s your money. It’s your effort,” the President said.
Tinubu’s reference to the university formed part of his broader argument that politicians who previously participated in governing the country should not overlook their own records when evaluating the performance of the present administration.
He also questioned Atiku’s moral authority to condemn his government, suggesting that the former vice president should first account for his own period in public service before making accusations against the current leadership.
However, the allegations and questions raised by the President were political remarks made during the rally and should not be regarded as established evidence of wrongdoing by the former vice president.
President Defends His Administration
Beyond his comments about Atiku, Tinubu used the occasion to defend his government’s approach to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Since taking office in May 2023, his administration has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
Although the government has consistently argued that the measures are necessary to improve the country’s financial position and create a more sustainable economy, their implementation has attracted widespread criticism because of the immediate pressure they have placed on households and businesses.
Food prices, transportation costs and other essential expenses have remained major concerns for Nigerians, with opposition politicians frequently demanding more effective measures to reduce the burden on citizens.
Tinubu, however, maintained that his administration inherited problems that required difficult decisions and sustained efforts to resolve.
His latest comments suggest that he intends to make the records of previous administrations an important part of his response to criticism ahead of the next general election.
The President’s position is that those who previously exercised political authority should also accept responsibility for the country’s historical economic difficulties instead of placing the entire burden on his government.
Tinubu Appreciates Rivers Residents For 2023 Support
The President also used the Port Harcourt rally to acknowledge the political support he received from Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election.
He expressed appreciation to residents who supported his ambition at a time when he believed his chances of securing the presidency were uncertain.
Tinubu recalled the circumstances surrounding the election, saying the backing he received from the people of Rivers contributed to his eventual emergence as Nigeria’s president.
He described their support as significant to his political journey and reminded them that their votes helped give him the mandate he currently holds.
“Thank you for the last election. In 2022, 2023, I looked very hopeless, but you trooped out to support me and gave me the mandate,” he said.
The President’s appreciation also served as an opportunity to reconnect with voters in the state and remind them of the political relationship established during the previous presidential contest.
He subsequently appealed for continued confidence in his leadership, linking his second-term ambition to the trust he said Nigerians had demonstrated in him during the last election.
Tinubu explained that his decision to seek another term was based on his belief that the people still had confidence in his ability to lead the country and address their concerns.
“I’m seeking a second term because you believe in me and that I care for you,” he added.
Economic Performance Expected To Shape 2027 Political Contest
Tinubu’s remarks come as political discussions surrounding the 2027 general elections gradually intensify, with the economy expected to remain a major subject of debate between the ruling party and opposition politicians.
While the President continues to defend his administration’s reform agenda, opposition figures have maintained that the government must do more to ease the financial pressure on Nigerians.
Atiku, who contested against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, has remained one of the prominent critics of the administration, particularly on issues relating to economic management, governance and the welfare of citizens.
The latest exchange further exposes the political differences between the two figures, with Tinubu pointing to the records of previous administrations while defending the decisions taken under his leadership.
For many Nigerians, however, the central issue remains whether the government’s economic policies will translate into improved living conditions, affordable food, better employment opportunities and increased financial stability.
As the country approaches another election cycle, both the ruling party and opposition are likely to face growing pressure to demonstrate how their policies and proposed solutions can improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Tinubu’s latest remarks indicate that he is prepared to defend his administration by challenging the records of former leaders, particularly those seeking to present themselves as alternatives to the current government.
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