Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has told President Bola Tinubu that voters will remove him from office in 2027, citing what he called the government’s inability to tackle Nigeria’s economic hardship and security problems.
Atiku rejects claims over university funding
The former vice president said Tinubu should account for his administration’s performance rather than question Atiku’s investment in the American University of Nigeria in Yola, known as AUN.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku responded to Tinubu’s comments on the financing of the university and the suggestion that it had been funded while Atiku was serving as vice president.
- Atiku said his investments in AUN and ABTI Academy began before he entered office as vice president in 1999.
- He said the foundation for the educational institution had been laid in 1993.
- He described the university project as a long-term investment that predated his time in government.
“My investment in the university was a long-term project that started before I became vice president in 1999. It is therefore wrong to suggest that it was established with money I made while in office,” Atiku said.
Challenge over economic and security record
Atiku called on Tinubu to explain the record of his government, accusing the administration of deepening poverty, insecurity, joblessness and the cost-of-living crisis.
- He said rising hardship had left Nigerians dissatisfied with the direction of the country.
- He argued that the government should focus on measures that improve living standards.
- He said criticism of his private education investment was being used as a political distraction.
“Your failures will send you packing in 2027. Rather than attacking my investment in education, you should tell Nigerians what you have done to improve their lives,” he said.
Call to address public concerns
Atiku urged Tinubu to respond to Nigerians’ concerns about national conditions instead of turning his private investments into a target of political attacks. He said the president should concentrate on resolving the country’s economic and security pressures ahead of the next election cycle.
