Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s handling of Nigerian economy.
He accused the administration of presenting misleading economic figures, arguing that official statistics do not reflect the hardships Nigerians continue to face.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar disputed the government’s claims that savings from the removal of fuel subsidy were being used to reduce public debt.
He maintained that the Federal Government’s liabilities to the Central Bank of Nigeria had instead increased through debt restructuring and fresh borrowing.
The former vice president also questioned the administration’s claims of improved workers’ welfare, saying parts of the new minimum wage package, including the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and other promised benefits, had yet to be fully implemented.
He further challenged the government’s explanation of funding for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, citing statements that the scheme also received support from recovered assets.
Abubakar blamed the government’s economic policies for rising borrowing costs, persistent inflation, naira depreciation and worsening living conditions.
While the Federal Government insists its reforms are necessary to strengthen public finances and attract investment, Abubakar posited that the true measure of economic performance lies in the quality of life of ordinary citizens, maintaining that the administration should address the country’s challenges with greater transparency and accountability.
