By Milcah Tanimu
The Presidency directly responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar‘s recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies. Atiku, who lost to Tinubu in the 2023 election, labeled the administration’s reforms as “trial-and-error” and criticized the simultaneous adjustments to exchange rates, electricity tariffs, and fuel prices as “overkill.” He suggested a gradual approach to subsidy removal, referencing examples from Malaysia and Indonesia.
In a rebuttal, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, claimed that Nigerians rejected Atiku’s ideas during the 2023 election, emphasizing that his proposals lacked depth. Onanuga argued that an Atiku-led government might have led Nigeria into a worse economic position or encouraged favoritism.
Dada Olusegun, Special Adviser on Social Media, further dismissed Atiku’s remarks by highlighting the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) internal issues. “You weren’t elected, Alhaji. You can’t even unite your party with only 13 governors,” Olusegun stated, questioning Atiku’s capacity for effective leadership.
Persistent challenges continue to impact the PDP, with tensions stemming from a rift between Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike after the 2023 primaries. This ongoing conflict has weakened the party’s cohesion and public image.
