The Presidency has responded sharply to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies. Atiku, who contested and lost the 2023 presidential election to Tinubu, described the administration’s approach as “trial-and-error” and a “palliative economy.” He criticized the government’s simultaneous implementation of multiple reforms—such as adjustments to the exchange rate, electricity tariffs, and fuel prices—arguing that such rapid changes could have a detrimental impact. According to Atiku, a gradual approach, as seen in Malaysia and Indonesia, would have been preferable.
Responding on behalf of the Presidency, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, dismissed Atiku’s suggestions as vague and noted that the Nigerian public had rejected his ideas during the 2023 elections. Onanuga argued that an Atiku-led administration might have worsened Nigeria’s economic situation or led to nepotism.
In a follow-up response, Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, questioned Atiku’s political influence and capacity for leadership. He stated, “You weren’t elected, Alhaji. You can’t even unite your party with only 13 governors. You can’t provide proper leadership to be considered a serious opposition.”
The internal crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, attributed by many commentators to lingering tensions between Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. Their conflict dates back to the party’s primary election, where Atiku secured the presidential ticket, a decision that sparked divisions within the party’s national structure.
