Atiku knocks Tinubu on economy, vows change

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration, stating that Nigerians have experienced "renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness" instead of the promised "renewed hope."

“

Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar highlighted the struggles of millions of Nigerians unable to afford basic necessities. He pointed to skyrocketing food prices, inflation acting as a "cruel tax on the poor," and the closure of small and medium-scale businesses. "Never in recent history have so many Nigerians worked so hard only to become poorer," the statement asserted.

“

Today, millions of Nigerians can no longer afford the basic necessities of life. Food prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of ordinary families. Inflation has become a cruel tax on the poor. Small and medium-scale businesses are shutting their doors.

The former Vice President also voiced concerns over the nation's security, referencing recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo states. He emphasized that "the ballot box remains the most powerful weapon in the hands of the people," stronger than propaganda, intimidation, or incumbency.

“

Never in recent history have so many Nigerians worked so hard only to become poorer.

Abubakar revealed that the African Democratic Congress plans to soon present a policy blueprint aimed at tackling the country's economic, security, and governance challenges. This framework will focus on economic recovery, job creation, education, healthcare, and reforms in public institutions, with the goal of providing "leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the public good."

“

The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the mass kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not isolated incidents.