Atiku Tells Tinubu: Apologize for Hardship, Account for Debt and Leave the Stage
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has delivered a blistering indictment of President Bola Tinubu’s government, urging the President to apologize to Nigerians for the economic hardship inflicted since 2023, fully account for the nation’s ballooning debt, and then step aside from governance.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described the Tinubu administration as “one of the most ruinous governments Nigeria has endured.”
He argued that after more than three years of demanded sacrifice, ordinary citizens face higher food, transport, and energy bills, strained public services, and a public debt that has surged dramatically.
According to figures cited by Atiku, Nigeria’s recorded public debt stood at ₦49.85 trillion in March 2023 and reached ₦166.79 trillion by 30 June 2026, according to the Debt Management Office.
He demanded a transparent breakdown of old debt newly recorded, the impact of naira depreciation on foreign obligations, every new loan contracted under the current administration, amounts repaid, and the outstanding balance. “Accounting explanations must not become a hiding place for fresh borrowing,” he said.
Atiku painted a picture of two Nigerias: one in which ordinary citizens struggle under rising costs of food, fuel, transport, electricity, education, and housing, and another in which those with wealth and access are better able to protect and grow their fortunes.
“An economy cannot be declared successful simply because government revenue is rising, reserves are improving, or official statistics look better while the purchasing power of ordinary citizens is being destroyed,” he stated.
“Nigerians do not eat GDP figures, FAAC allocations, or PowerPoint presentations. The numbers must eventually arrive at the dinner table.”
He pointed to recent fuel prices as further evidence of pressure on households—petrol selling around ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and as high as ₦1,500 in parts of the North in September, with diesel exceeding ₦2,000 per litre. Drawing on BudgIT data, Atiku noted that by the third quarter of 2025 debt service had reached ₦12.52 trillion against ₦18.63 trillion in revenue—about 67.2 percent.
He also referenced President Tinubu’s own remarks at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi in May, where the President acknowledged that Nigeria is expected to spend about $11.6 billion on debt service in 2026, nearly half of projected revenue.
“Nigerians were promised that today’s pain would produce tomorrow’s gain. After more than three years, they are entitled to ask, “Gain for whom?” Atiku said.
He called on the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to apologize to families unable to afford decent meals, workers whose wages vanish on transport, parents struggling with school fees, pensioners hit by inflation, and businesses fighting to stay open.
The former Vice-President’s message culminated in a clear demand:
“Apologize to Nigerians. Account for the money collected. Reconcile the borrowing.
Explain the charges. Show the people what their sacrifice bought. Then make a solemn pledge to step away from governance rather than ask Nigerians for another mandate to endure this suffering.”
He concluded that the true test of the economy is whether ordinary Nigerians can afford to live.
The statement forms part of a series of recent interventions by Atiku, the ADC presidential hopeful, who has repeatedly criticized the cost-of-living crisis and called for policy changes to ease the burden on citizens.
As of Saturday evening, there was no immediate public response from the Presidency to the latest remarks.
Nigeria continues to grapple with high inflation, elevated energy costs, and the after-effects of subsidy removal and currency reforms introduced in 2023.
The opposition’s sharpened rhetoric underscores the political stakes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Atiku positioning himself as a voice for relief and accountability.
news Presidency Brands Economist’s Tinubu Hate Claim Intellectual Fraud as Reforms Push On
world Hegseth Declares Commanders Back in Charge with Major IG Reforms Across War Department
news Suspected Cattle Rustlers Injure Youth in Isolated Bokkos Attack as Plateau Troops Respond
world Trump Credits US Forces as Dozens of Iranian Terror Leaders Sent Straight to Hell
politics Sowore Demands ₦500,000 Wage for INEC Staff, Threatens 2027 Election Boycott
How do you feel about this news?
Community Additions
Have a news tip, correction, or extra context about this story? Post it below instantly. All submissions appear live on this screen immediately.