By Abu Dalisu l May 29, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fresh criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the government of plunging millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty and hunger three years after taking office.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, said the economic realities facing ordinary Nigerians sharply contradict the “Renewed Hope” promises made by the Tinubu administration before assuming power.
In a statement released on Thursday to mark the third anniversary of Tinubu’s presidency, Atiku argued that living conditions across the country had deteriorated significantly due to what he described as poor economic management, rising inflation and worsening insecurity.
“Today, Nigeria is a nation where the rich get richer, and the poor sink deeper into hunger and despair,” Atiku reportedly stated while condemning the administration’s handling of the economy.
The former vice president said millions of Nigerians were struggling to survive amid soaring food prices, a weakened naira and increasing unemployment, insisting that government policies had failed to improve citizens’ welfare. He maintained that the country was facing one of its worst economic crises in decades.
Atiku also blamed the government’s subsidy removal policy and exchange rate reforms for worsening hardship across households and businesses. According to him, the abrupt implementation of the policies triggered inflationary pressures that continue to affect transportation, food supply and purchasing power nationwide.
The opposition leader further accused the Tinubu government of lacking a clear strategy to cushion the impact of economic reforms on vulnerable Nigerians.
His remarks came amid growing public frustration over the rising cost of living, especially food inflation and unstable electricity supply affecting homes and businesses across the country.
However, President Tinubu defended his administration’s economic reforms in a separate anniversary message released on Friday, insisting that the policies were beginning to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and restore investor confidence despite temporary hardship.
Tinubu said his government had recorded progress in infrastructure development, public finance reforms and energy investments, while arguing that painful economic adjustments were necessary to secure long-term growth.
The president cited improvements in the stock market, ongoing road construction projects and efforts to reduce fuel imports through local refining initiatives as evidence that the economy was gradually recovering.
Despite the presidency’s assurances, criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups has continued to intensify as many Nigerians complain about worsening hardship and declining purchasing power.
Atiku’s latest comments add to a series of recent attacks he has directed at the Tinubu administration over issues ranging from food insecurity to inflation and governance challenges.
Political analysts say the growing exchanges between Tinubu and leading opposition figures signal an early intensification of political tensions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The debate over Tinubu’s reforms remains sharply divided, with supporters arguing that difficult policies were necessary to stabilize the economy, while critics insist the measures have deepened suffering for ordinary Nigerians.