- The Presidency dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating his proposals were rejected by Nigerians in the 2023 elections
- Bayo Onanuga criticized Atiku’s past privatization efforts, arguing they contributed to Nigeria’s current economic challenges and lacked viable alternatives
The Presidency has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, dismissing his suggestions as “untested” and asserting that Nigerians rejected his ideas in the 2023 elections.
Atiku had accused Tinubu of implementing “trial and error” economic policies that have led to widespread hardship.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, noted that Atiku’s proposals lacked substance and would not have served as a viable alternative.
Onanuga highlighted that Nigerians had not forgotten Atiku’s campaign proposal to sell national assets, including the NNPC, which led to concerns of cronyism.
Onanuga also criticized Atiku’s role in privatization during the Obasanjo administration, describing it as “questionable,” and suggested that his actions contributed to the country’s current economic challenges.
“As vice president, Atiku supervised a privatization program that left Nigerians skeptical, especially given that he and his then-boss prioritized their private educational ventures over the national system,” he added.
Describing the current economic strain as temporary, Onanuga defended Tinubu’s approach, stating, “President Tinubu inherited a country with deep-rooted issues, including unsustainable fuel subsidies and criminal arbitrage in the forex market.
While Atiku calls for gradual reforms, Tinubu took bold steps that should have been initiated decades ago.”
The Presidency concluded that Tinubu’s measures were essential for Nigeria’s long-term stability, unlike Atiku’s “untested agenda” which, it argued, would only have prolonged the nation’s economic difficulties.