Atiku Tells Tinubu, APC to Focus on Governance, Not Opposition Politics

Abuja – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly meddling in the affairs of opposition parties, instead of addressing the country’s deepening economic and security challenges.

In a statement issued by his media team, Atiku accused the president of prioritizing political power games over governance. The statement followed recent remarks made by President Tinubu at a high-level APC meeting, where he reportedly took a jab at the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to Atiku’s camp, the presidency is using government resources and institutions to weaken opposition parties and steer the country toward a one-party system. The statement further accused President Tinubu of focusing more on his 2027 re-election ambitions than on solving the nation’s pressing issues.

“President Tinubu should first address the evident strain in his relationship with Vice President Kashim Shettima and fix the country’s struggling economy before interfering in the internal matters of other parties,” the statement read. “It’s concerning that public funds are being used to create division and suppress alternative political voices.”

The statement also alleged that recent tensions between supporters of Atiku and Peter Obi within the opposition coalition were deliberately incited by the presidency. However, it claimed those efforts had failed and that the coalition remains united and stronger.

Atiku described the current administration as out of touch with the realities faced by citizens, citing worsening insecurity, poverty, and hunger as evidence. “While Nigerians grapple with insecurity and economic hardship, the president is busy playing politics and plotting for the next election instead of fulfilling the promises of his current mandate,” the statement said.

He further accused the presidency of using anti-corruption agencies to intimidate opposition figures into defecting to the ruling party. “There is now a pattern of using state institutions to harass opposition leaders. But this tactic will not work. The coalition is prepared and determined to offer Nigerians a genuine alternative,” the statement added.

Atiku concluded by urging President Tinubu to shift focus from political distractions and concentrate on governing the country effectively. The coalition, he reaffirmed, remains committed to providing a credible and united alternative for Nigerians.