In a bold statement that resonates with many Nigerians, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fierce critique of President Bola Tinubu's administration, targeting issues related to the economy, security, and overall governance. He accuses the current government of incompetence, lawlessness, and political bullying.
In his New Year’s address shared on Thursday, Atiku reflected on 2025 as one of the most arduous periods in Nigeria’s recent history. He attributes this turmoil to what he calls economic mismanagement and a lack of compassionate governance under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lamented that the nation faced severe challenges, including "economic suffocation, political recklessness, and a deficit of effective policy-making." He pointed out that the Tinubu-led government operated for months without a viable budget, relying instead on propaganda and excessive borrowing to navigate these difficulties.
Atiku highlighted the ongoing controversy around a contentious tax law as a prime example of the decline he perceives within the current administration. "A government that initiates reforms through dishonesty cannot expect to achieve prosperity," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of integrity in governance.
He also criticized the ruling party's actions, suggesting that they are systematically undermining Nigeria's democratic institutions. He alleged that there are deliberate attempts to establish a one-party state, making use of intimidation and manipulation to stifle opposition.
The former vice president noted with concern the significant rise in insecurity throughout 2025, marked by a surge in kidnappings, assaults, and violent crimes that have swept across the nation. This deterioration in safety has been accompanied by rising unemployment, labor disputes, and the collapse of small businesses, all of which exacerbate the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
"Despite these setbacks, which were worsened by appointing unqualified individuals to represent Nigeria internationally, our country endured not due to government efficacy, but thanks to the remarkable resilience of its people," Atiku stated.
He urged Nigerians to remain resolute amid these trying times, expressing that crafting this New Year message was one of the most painful experiences he has encountered, fully aware of the despair affecting millions due to the heartless policies of the APC government led by Tinubu.
Atiku further characterized the demands placed on citizens for sacrifices as "cruel," asserting that leaders enjoying comfort while their constituents suffer lack the moral authority to ask for such sacrifices.
He boldly declared, "Leadership that does not share in the pain of the populace is nothing but exploitation."
Continuing his critique, Atiku called out what he sees as selective enforcement of anti-corruption measures. He accused the current administration of using governmental institutions as weapons against political rivals rather than genuinely working to cleanse the system from corruption.
"The purported anti-corruption efforts of this government are merely a facade; they are selective, vindictive, and politically motivated. It has become a weapon for targeting opposition members instead of purging the corrupt elements from our system.
While fighting corruption is crucial, it becomes a mockery of justice when agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are wielded against adversaries while allies escape scrutiny," Atiku commented.
He expressed deep concern that a government willing to manipulate laws cannot be trusted to conduct free and fair elections in 2027.
"I call upon all patriotic Nigerians to engage in this cause: mobilize, persuade, and organize. Prepare to cast your votes and defend them in 2027. Let us vote out hunger, insecurity, unemployment, dishonesty, corruption, abductions, lies, and deceptive propaganda.
Nigeria deserves so much more. Nigerians deserve dignity.
Let 2026 be a year of preparation, and 2027 the year we reap the rewards of our efforts. It is too late to turn back now; let us unite, organize, and reclaim our nation."
