The former Vice President said Nigerians are battling rising hunger, inflation and unemployment despite the government marking its third year in office.
In a statement issued on Friday through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said many citizens can no longer afford basic necessities due to soaring living costs and declining purchasing power.
The statement read, “Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness.”
Atiku said inflation has continued to hurt poor Nigerians while many small businesses are struggling to survive.
“Today, millions of Nigerians can no longer afford the basic necessities of life. Food prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of ordinary families. Inflation has become a cruel tax on the poor. Small and medium-scale businesses are shutting their doors.
“Never in recent history have so many Nigerians worked so hard only to become poorer,” the statement read.
He also expressed concern over the country’s security situation, referencing recent kidnappings in parts of Borno and Oyo states.
“The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the mass kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not isolated incidents,” the statement read.
Atiku urged Nigerians to remain active in the democratic process ahead of future elections.
“The ballot box remains the most powerful weapon in the hands of the people. It is stronger than propaganda. It is stronger than intimidation. It is stronger than incumbency,” it added.
He further revealed that the ADC would soon present a policy framework focused on economic recovery, security, education, healthcare and institutional reforms.
“At the end of the day, Nigerians seek leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the public good,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide, saying security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
“Security remains central to our national mission and to the creation of a virile and prosperous society. Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks,” he said.
The President acknowledged that security challenges still exist in some areas but maintained that progress is being recorded.
“We are improving the capabilities of our armed forces and security agencies, and reclaiming the authority of the Nigerian state wherever criminality threatens peace and order,” Tinubu stated.
He assured Nigerians that the government would continue working to restore safety across the country.
“While we continue to confront the challenges head-on, progress is being made. I want to assure you that this government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety,” the President added.