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The Presidency has criticized Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice-President who ran for president six times without success, accusing him of attempting to undermine the administration.
It labeled his economic proposals as mere “grand illusions and fantasies.”
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rejected claims from President Bola Tinubu’s team that he envies the president.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, released a statement on Sunday stating that Atiku’s proposals lack originality and fail to address Nigeria’s current economic issues.
The statement from the Presidency argued that Atiku’s supposed arrogance and lack of realistic solutions have contributed to his repeated electoral losses.
In response, Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, said on Monday that Atiku has no reason to envy Tinubu, who, according to Shaibu, “inflicts pain on Nigerians,” noting that “wickedness is an exclusive preserve of T-Pain!”
Shaibu stated that, unlike Tinubu,
“Atiku is not a bigot” and also “refunded money to the US for alleged drug trafficking.”
Atiku criticized Tinubu’s administration, saying, “President Tinubu’s economic policies and governance approach are harming Nigerians, and he should focus on that instead of attacking the opposition.”
He added, “On July 8, 2024, Tinubu announced a temporary suspension of import duties on essential goods, but over 120 days later, this policy has yet to be implemented while food inflation has soared to over 40%, the highest in decades.”
Atiku condemned what he described as the failure of Tinubu’s administration to implement its own policies, calling it a display of incompetence.
He also accused Tinubu’s camp of focusing on opposition figures like himself and Peter Obi rather than on governance.
Atiku further claimed that Tinubu’s actions over the last 18 months, including abrupt policy changes, demonstrate his lack of preparation for office.
He criticized Tinubu’s handling of the petrol subsidy removal and the CNG initiative, arguing that it has only increased transportation and food costs.
Atiku also pointed to Tinubu’s projected exchange rates for 2024 and 2025, calling it “deceptive” and questioning the accuracy of Tinubu’s claims about foreign reserves.
Addressing security issues, Atiku expressed concern over the announcement of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, amid existing threats like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
He criticized Tinubu for prioritizing political appointments over national security, alleging he has favored kinsmen in key positions.
Atiku also accused Tinubu of misallocating funds, saying he prioritized the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which displaced Lagos residents, while other important projects were neglected.
Atiku urged Tinubu to focus on improving the lives of Nigerians as they grow increasingly disillusioned with his leadership.
He dismissed claims of jealousy, saying, “It is ridiculous to suggest Atiku envies Tinubu for causing suffering among Nigerians. ‘Wickedness is an exclusive preserve of T-Pain.’”
Atiku ended by warning that recent protests, where frustrated Nigerians waved Russian flags, indicate deep dissatisfaction and urged leaders to act before the situation escalates.
He criticized Tinubu for neglecting the economic crisis, noting Nigeria’s currency is now the worst-performing in Africa, while the country has dropped to the fifth-largest economy on the continent.
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