The Presidency states that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, is envious of President Bola Tinubu’s position, a role the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 election has unsuccessfully sought six times.
In a recent tweet titled “What We Would Have Done Differently,” the former VP criticised the administration’s economic and anti-corruption policies, which the Presidency dismissed in a statement signed on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. The statement claims that since his defeat to Tinubu, Atiku has focused more on undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than addressing his party’s internal issues, adding that “we suspect he is envious of Tinubu’s position—an office he has unsuccessfully pursued six times.”
The statement continued, “It is perplexing that he would promote his untested, hypothetical proposal, which Nigerians rejected during the 2023 presidential election, as a superior alternative to the multifaceted reform programmes being implemented by the Tinubu administration. If his plan was truly compelling, he must recognise that rebranding it will not address the social and economic challenges his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) left after 16 years in power.”
The Presidency added that Atiku’s economic analysis reflected a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s current realities, with the statement saying, “His narrative, ‘What We Would Have Done Differently’, indicates a disconnect from the pressing economic needs, which are now being addressed under President Tinubu’s leadership.”
The statement asked, “What economic reforms would Atiku propose in his hypothetical presidency? While he suggests a period of consultation on assuming office, the Nigerian economy requires immediate, decisive action. A leader must be ready to act from Day One, as President Tinubu has demonstrated.”
Further, it noted that Atiku accused President Tinubu of “stealing his presidency,” exposing “his sense of entitlement and detachment from the electorate.” The statement reiterated that Tinubu’s victory was valid and questioned Atiku’s qualifications, citing issues such as his alleged arrogance, insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity, and failure to respect the PDP’s power rotation arrangement after eight years of northern leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement went on to commend Tinubu’s administration for having a comprehensive plan to address longstanding economic issues dating back to when Atiku was vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo, adding that “Atiku’s idea of a consultation period reveals a worrying lack of awareness of the economic crisis, which required immediate action upon Tinubu’s administration assuming office.”
The Presidency highlighted that a lengthy consultation approach, as allegedly favoured by Atiku, would have hindered Nigeria’s economic progress, suggesting that “the country needed a proactive leader like Tinubu, who has addressed economic challenges without delay.”
Further critique dismissed Atiku’s proposals as “unrealistic and naive,” insisting that he must confront the inherited economic challenges that include unsustainable subsidy expenditures exceeding government earnings from crude oil.
The Presidency also added that fuel subsidy savings, estimated at N5.4 trillion in 2024, are being redirected towards infrastructure and social programmes benefiting Nigerians. They noted that increased revenue generation and higher minimum wages in several states exemplify the administration’s positive economic impact.
Additionally, the statement argued that Atiku’s privatisation proposal lacked innovation, noting that previous offers for Nigeria’s refineries were at scrap value, with a more beneficial model in place under the current administration involving partnerships with private managers to improve refinery operations.
Responding to Atiku’s comments on the NNPC, the statement criticised his record on corruption reforms, questioning his credibility on the matter, and mentioned past corruption allegations against him.
Finally, the statement declared that Atiku’s ideas around phased subsidy removal are outdated and noted that President Tinubu’s bolder approach is necessary, while accusing Atiku of promoting “economic fantasies.” It stated that Tinubu is dedicated to a prosperous future for Nigeria and called on Atiku to abandon what it described as “petty politics and fantasies” in favour of constructive dialogue.