Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his declaration that he was prepared to “wrestle” political opponents ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku argued that the President’s priority should be tackling Nigeria’s economic and security challenges rather than engaging in political confrontations.
The former vice president’s reaction came in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The statement followed comments Tinubu made during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja.
While the bishops appealed for credible, transparent, and peaceful elections, the President responded by saying he was ready to “wrestle” his political opponents “to the finishing point” in the next election cycle.
Reacting to the President’s comments, Atiku said Nigerians expected leadership and practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.
“Mr President, you are a drowning man. Wrestle with your failures, not your opponents,” Atiku said.
He argued that the meeting with the bishops provided an opportunity for the President to reassure Nigerians about the country’s future instead of making combative political statements.
Atiku said Tinubu’s greatest challenge is not the opposition but the country’s worsening economic and security situation.
According to him, the administration should concentrate on addressing rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity, and the declining standard of living.
“The President should wrestle with the millions of Nigerians who now skip meals because food has become a luxury.”
He also urged the government to confront insecurity affecting farming communities, youth unemployment, and what he described as policy inconsistency, rising debt, and declining investor confidence.
The ADC presidential candidate maintained that governments facing public dissatisfaction often resort to political grandstanding instead of addressing pressing national issues.
“Nigerians are no longer interested in political performances. They are interested in performance in government.”
He added that slogans and political threats would not reduce inflation, improve the value of the naira, or ease the hardship facing citizens.
According to Atiku, the administration’s record would ultimately be the deciding factor in any future election.
“His greatest opponent is his own record.”
Atiku emphasized that democratic elections are determined by voters rather than political rhetoric.
He said governments secure another term through competence, accountability, and measurable achievements.
“In 2027, Nigerians will not be stepping into a wrestling arena. They will be stepping into polling units to deliver a constitutional verdict.”
He concluded by urging the President to spend the remainder of his tenure addressing national challenges instead of focusing on political battles.
Beyond the political exchange, Atiku also renewed his criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic management, citing reports that the Federal Government borrowed more during the 2024 fiscal year than the amount approved by the National Assembly.
He questioned the rationale for additional borrowing despite reports of increased government revenue from higher global crude oil prices.
According to Atiku, Nigerians were assured that the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms would reduce borrowing and stabilize public finances.
Instead, he claimed the country has experienced rising debt and continued borrowing.
“A government earning windfalls while borrowing recklessly is not suffering from lack of revenue; it is suffering from lack of discipline.”
He also warned about the growing cost of servicing Nigeria’s debt, expressing concern that future borrowing could increasingly be used to repay existing obligations.
The latest exchange highlights the escalating political rhetoric as attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 general election.
While Atiku used the opportunity to criticize the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy and governance, his remarks reflect the opposition’s position. The Presidency has consistently defended its economic reforms, arguing that current policies are necessary to stabilize the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth….See More