Atiku, Tinubu Debate FG’s Privatisation Policy

A heated debate has erupted over Nigeria's privatization policy, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his political allies fiercely challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent criticisms. President Tinubu had questioned the track record of opposition figures, specifically referencing a past chairman of Nigeria's privatization council and the outcomes of industries privatized under that supervision, including the Delta Steel industry.

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If you look at one of them, no one without history among them – no one without history. The head was the chairman of the privatisation council of Nigeria in this country one time. He privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today? No. Is anything they privatised working today? They want to privatise another man’s political party. That one says no.

Atiku Abubakar, who chaired the National Council on Privatisation during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, has hit back, dismissing Tinubu's comments as a "reckless tirade" that reveals "hypocrisy and historical amnesia." In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Atiku argued that Tinubu lacks a proper understanding of privatization principles and accused the President of hypocrisy, noting that Tinubu himself had previously opposed similar reforms. Atiku pointed to the current administration's handling of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and refineries, suggesting a lack of transparency and accountability in current commercialization efforts.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), another political party, has also weighed in, advising President Tinubu to prepare for the 2027 elections rather than engaging in debates about past privatization exercises. The ADC suggested that Tinubu should be more concerned about facing the electorate, who are reportedly suffering, implying that his focus should be on addressing current economic hardships rather than revisiting historical policies.

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Atiku Abubakar’s attention has been drawn to the latest reckless tirade by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a performance that exposes not just desperation, but a troubling pattern of hypocrisy and historical amnesia.

This exchange highlights the deep political divisions and the ongoing contestation over economic policies in Nigeria. The debate over privatization touches upon critical issues of national development, economic management, and governance. Both sides are using the discourse to score political points, framing their arguments within the context of past performance and future promises, while the effectiveness and impact of privatization policies remain a subject of intense public scrutiny and political maneuvering.

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Atiku said Tinubu’s criticism collapses under scrutiny, recalling that the President had previously opposed the very reforms he now appears to be implementing.