Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has labelled the APC’s revised Presidential Campaign Council as “a crowded confession of Tinubu’s fear”, asserting that Nigerians will not endorse “a mandate of hardship”.
Atiku criticised the lengthy list of politicians on the council, suggesting it indicates a president more focused on political allies than on addressing the suffering of the people.
“Only a man afraid of his record would think he could bury it under hundreds of names,” he stated. “Tinubu can gather every governor, minister, and political defector in Nigeria, but none can erase the hunger in people’s homes or restore lives lost to violence. Families are waiting for answers, not another campaign list.”
In a statement released by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku remarked, “Tinubu can host an army of ministers but has no plans for Nigerians burdened by the cost of living. He may boast endorsements while ordinary families are left to sacrifice. The list of Nigerians who will vote against him is far longer. On January 16, they will consider if we are better off under Bola Tinubu.”
Atiku condemned hosting the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Aso Rock Villa, stating, “The Presidential Villa belongs to the Nigerian people, not a political party. Using it for an APC event is a breach of public trust.” He questioned why Tinubu chose to inaugurate his council under the cover of darkness at the Villa, stating, “A confident president should face the public openly to seek another mandate.”
“While the political class has options, Nigerians are offered only sermons about sacrifice. Tinubu’s administration grows comfortable while the populace suffers. When faced with criticism, instead of acknowledging the anger, Tinubu produced an even longer list of political names. He’s collecting allies like shields against public judgement, but this cannot alleviate the struggles of mothers unable to feed their children or families enduring insecurity.”
Atiku further noted that the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index revealed an increase of 17.9 million Nigerians living in poverty since Tinubu took office. He stressed that no campaign council can reverse the hardship many face: “Nigerians will judge Tinubu not by his campaign list, but by their lived experiences under his leadership—the mother struggling to feed her family, the worker unable to afford transport, and the fearful families of those taken by kidnappers.”
He concluded that families contend with hunger and fear every day, and no number of politicians can hide a president’s failures. As the election approaches, Atiku believes Tinubu will confront the reality of his record on January 16.
