Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly responded to President Bola Tinubu’s Kaduna speech. He rejected accusations that opposition figures caused the nation’s economic struggles. He asserted that years of ruling party policies created the ongoing hardship. He issued a statement through his media office.
Tinubu spoke at the APC campaign flag-off in Kaduna. He defended his reforms. He blamed the opposition for criticism. Atiku is the ADC presidential candidate. He has contested every election since 2007. He lost in 2019 and 2023. He has consistently criticised Tinubu’s economic policies. The exchange is part of the 2027 campaign.
Atiku said the hardship predates the opposition. He said the APC has been in power since 2015. He said the government’s policies have failed. He cited poverty, unemployment and inflation. He said accusing the opposition is a distraction. He said the government must take responsibility. He called for targeted relief. He said fuel prices must be stabilised. He said the naira must be protected. He said food production must be supported.
The statement is a campaign document. It frames the election as a referendum on the APC’s record. Atiku wants voters to blame the ruling party. He wants them to see him as the alternative. The government rejects the framing. It says the reforms were unavoidable. It says the economy is stabilising. It cites falling inflation and rising reserves. The debate will continue until the election.
The political context matters. The opposition is fragmented. Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso and Makinde are all contesting. The G-100 coalition is trying to select a single candidate. Atiku is one of the candidates under consideration. His statement is also a pitch to the coalition. He wants to be the flag bearer. He is making the case.
Winners: Atiku, who gains visibility. The ADC, which gains a campaign line. The opposition, which gains a narrative. Losers: Tinubu, whose speech is challenged. The APC, which must defend its record. Voters, who hear competing claims.
Bottom Line: Atiku rejected Tinubu’s claim. He blamed the APC. The election will decide. The economy is the issue. The voters will judge.