Atiku criticizes Tinubu's economic reforms, citing hardship and historical inaccuracies
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
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
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, called on scholars, church leaders, and policymakers to move beyond academic discussions and create practical solutions for Nigeria's escalating insecurity. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Administration, Prof. Dele Balogun, at the 2026 International Conference on African Pentecostalism, Adeboye highlighted kidnapping, insurgency, farmer-herder conflicts, and communal violence as major threats. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would fulfill its destiny despite current challenges, emphasizing that African Pentecostalism plays a significant role in the nation's life. The conference, themed "African Pentecostalism and the Politics of Insecurity in Nigeria," was organized by the Redeemed Christian Theological College in collaboration with the University of Ibadan and Redeemer鈥檚 University. National Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Sunday Akande, represented by Dr. Josiah Bolarinwa, noted that insecurity has been politicized, hindering resolution. Akande urged Pentecostals to engage in community development and support security forces. Dr. Alaba Oti, Provost of the college, stressed the need for thoughtful, ethical, and practical responses from religious leaders and scholars. Prof. Afe Adogame of Princeton Theological Seminary challenged churches and faith-based organizations to complement prayers with practical action, addressing root causes like poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Adogame critic
Must ReadThe Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that had nullified parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission's INEC electoral guidelines for the 2027 general elections. The appellate court ruled unanimously that the Youth Party, which initiated the lawsuit, lacked the legal standing to challenge the guidelines. Justice Adebukola Banjoko, whose lead judgment was read by Justice Okon Abang, stated that the Youth Party failed to demonstrate how the guidelines negatively impacted it or its members regarding primary elections or candidate submissions for the 2027 polls. The court concluded that the Youth Party did not establish any injury from the guidelines to justify the suit. The three-member panel also found that Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court erred in his May 20 ruling, which had deemed the guidelines inconsistent with certain provisions of the Electoral Act. Justice Umar's earlier judgment had stated that INEC lacked the power to compel political parties to conduct primaries within commission-fixed timelines and had nullified aspects requiring parties to submit membership registers and candidate particulars ahead of statutory timelines. INEC had appealed this decision, arguing through its counsel, Dr Alex Izinyom, that the Federal High Court did not address its preliminary objection that the suit was hypothetical. The Court of Appeal upheld INEC's appeal, vacating the Federal High Court's judgment and thereby rest
Tein Jack-Rich, an All Progressives Congress chieftain and former presidential aspirant, has called for enhanced economic and investment collaboration between Nigeria and the United States. Speaking in Washington, DC, after receiving an award at the Celebrate America 250 event, Jack-Rich emphasized that deeper partnerships would foster industrialization, job creation, and economic growth across Africa. He urged the US to expand trade, investment, and technology partnerships with Nigeria and the rest of Africa, stating that the continent's economic potential relies on such collaboration. Jack-Rich described the US as Africa's most dependable strategic partner and suggested that positioning Nigeria as America's primary economic partner in Africa would stimulate industrial development continent-wide. He highlighted Nigeria's vast resources, including oil, gas, critical minerals, agriculture, and its youthful population, as key attractions for American investors. Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, also spoke at the event, acknowledging Africa's promising investment potential and advocating for stronger US economic engagement to prevent other global powers from filling the void. He noted that expanding partnerships with African countries aligns with President Donald Trump's economic agenda. Nigeria and the United States share a significant commercial relationship, with American companies active in various Nigerian sectors, and both countries aim for increased foreign di