Why This Story Matters
The exchange between Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu reflects the increasingly active political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections. Beyond the political rhetoric, the debate centres on governance, electoral integrity and how the Federal Government is responding to Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Opposition Responds to Tinubu’s Remarks
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to concentrate on resolving the country’s pressing governance issues rather than engaging in political battles with opponents.
The former Vice President made the remarks in a statement released on Wednesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, while reacting to President Tinubu’s recent declaration that he would “wrestle his opponents to the finish.”
The President made the comment during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, who visited the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Reaction to Appeal for Electoral Credibility
According to Atiku, the President’s statement followed an appeal by the Catholic bishops for credible, transparent and peaceful elections, making the response disappointing.
He argued that Nigerians expected assurances regarding democratic values and electoral integrity but instead heard comments that projected political confrontation.
The ADC candidate described the President’s response as inconsistent with the level of restraint and decorum expected during discussions with one of Nigeria’s respected religious institutions.
Governance Should Take Centre Stage
Rather than focusing on political opponents, Atiku said the administration should direct its attention to challenges affecting millions of Nigerians.
He listed inflation, rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity, the depreciation of the naira, declining investor confidence and growing public hardship as issues requiring urgent government intervention.
According to him, these national concerns should receive greater attention than political exchanges ahead of future elections.
Criticism of the Administration’s Performance
The former Vice President argued that governments facing public dissatisfaction often attempt to redirect public attention through political rhetoric.
He maintained that Nigerians are increasingly interested in practical governance outcomes rather than campaign-style declarations.
Atiku added that improving food affordability, restoring confidence in the economy, tackling insecurity and creating employment opportunities remain the issues most citizens expect the government to address.
Atiku Says Administration Faces Its Greatest Test
Continuing his criticism, Atiku maintained that the administration’s biggest challenge was not opposition politicians but its own performance in office.
He argued that struggling businesses, unemployed graduates, families affected by economic hardship and communities facing insecurity reflect the broader governance issues confronting the country.
According to him, those realities will ultimately shape public judgment of the administration.
Democracy Should Be Driven by Accountability
The former Vice President also stressed that democratic competition should be based on ideas, accountability and measurable governance rather than confrontational political language.
He said elected leaders secure renewed public confidence through effective leadership and tangible results, adding that Nigerians would exercise their constitutional right to assess government performance during the 2027 general elections.
Looking Ahead
As political activity gradually intensifies ahead of the next election cycle, Atiku urged President Tinubu to dedicate the remainder of his tenure to addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges instead of what he described as unnecessary political confrontations.
He concluded that history would judge leaders more by the quality of their governance than by the intensity of their political rhetoric.
Key Developments
- Atiku Abubakar criticised President Bola Tinubu over recent comments directed at political opponents.
- The ADC presidential candidate urged the President to prioritise governance and national challenges.
- The criticism followed Tinubu’s meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja.
- Atiku argued that inflation, insecurity, unemployment and economic difficulties should remain the government’s primary focus.
- He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately judge the administration by its performance at the ballot box in 2027.
© 2025 Gossip News Now, a division of CHIEJOS HARBIAN DIGITAL MEDIA LTD.
Contact us via admin@gossipnewsnow.online.
