African Democratic Congress convention to proceed despite venue concerns in Abuja

Atiku criticizes Tinubu's economic reforms, citing hardship and historical inaccuracies

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, stating they have led to widespread hardship for Nigerians. In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused Tinubu of distorting Nigeria's reform history and described the President's recent remarks as a "reckless tirade." Atiku highlighted the struggles of families, business closures, and the impact of inflation on purchasing power, asserting that the cost of living has become unbearable. He argued that what is being marketed as reform has resulted in hardship without relief. Atiku also challenged Tinubu's stance on privatization, recalling his own advocacy for privatizing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and selling refineries, policies he claimed Tinubu opposed. He further stated that the current administration is overseeing a commercialization of the national oil company "in opacity," lacking transparency and clear valuation. Atiku defended his record in office, citing successful privatizations during his tenure, including Oando Plc and Transcorp Hilton Abuja. He also questioned the President's understanding of Nigeria's economic reform history, suggesting a failure to engage with documented accounts and referencing Tinubu's past controversies regarding his educational credentials. Atiku concluded by faulting the tone of the President's comments, describing his resort to mockery as indicative of a deeper lea