Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of being ashamed to face Nigerians as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku said the president should personally defend his administration’s performance before asking Nigerians to renew his mandate for another four years.
The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Thursday.
Atiku was reacting to Tinubu’s reported indication that he might not attend all campaign rallies because of the demands of governing the country.
The former vice president argued that the president should not rely on governors, ministers and other political associates to defend his record while seeking re-election.
He challenged Tinubu to explain the impact of his policies on the cost of food, access to healthcare, pensioners’ welfare and employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
Atiku also criticised the administration’s attention to foreign creditors and investors, insisting that the difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians deserved equal urgency.
He said many households continued to struggle with rising living costs, forcing some families to reduce their meals, delay medical treatment and cope with declining purchasing power.
According to Atiku, the president received the mandate to govern in 2023 and should therefore take personal responsibility for the decisions made by his administration.
He maintained that political allies campaigning on the president’s behalf could not replace direct engagement with voters or provide answers on his behalf regarding government policies.
Atiku added that Nigerians would assess Tinubu’s administration based on their personal experiences and the outcome of its policies when they vote in 2027.
The criticism comes as political parties begin preparations for the next presidential election, with economic conditions, employment, food affordability and governance expected to feature prominently in campaign debates.
Tinubu’s reported position on attending campaign rallies has also generated reactions from political figures, with supporters and critics offering different views on the president’s responsibilities during the election period.
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