Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said President Bola Tinubu must account for his administration’s economic performance before seeking re-election in 2027.
Atiku accused Tinubu of avoiding direct engagement with Nigerians over the economic hardship and insecurity facing the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the President could not rely on political allies to shield him from public criticism.
He argued that the expansion of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council would not erase the difficulties Nigerians had experienced under the current administration.
Atiku also criticised the inauguration of the APC campaign council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, describing the use of the facility for a partisan political event as inappropriate.
According to him, Nigerians would judge Tinubu based on their experiences with rising living costs, insecurity and other challenges rather than the number of political figures supporting his re-election bid.
Atiku said the President must explain what his administration had achieved in addressing the economic difficulties facing households and businesses.
He also questioned the government’s handling of poverty and insecurity, insisting that political endorsements could not replace tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
The former Vice-President maintained that voters would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election based on the administration’s record.
Atiku, who is the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, said his party was preparing to challenge the APC at the polls.
