The Presidency has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent critiques of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, asserting that Atiku’s proposed policies are unproven and lack substantial detail.
In a statement on Sunday, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, argued that Atiku’s ideas, which were rejected in the 2023 election, would have led Nigeria into a deeper economic crisis or a regime of cronyism if he had won the presidency.
Onanuga claimed Atiku’s previous commitment to privatizing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other assets for personal gains was a key reason Nigerians voted against him.
He added, “Nigerians remember his record from 1999 to 2003, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term, when he oversaw a controversial privatization process.”
Onanuga also criticized Atiku for undermining Nigeria’s educational system, noting that while in office, Atiku and Obasanjo pursued private educational ventures while government-funded institutions struggled.
The presidential adviser stressed that while Atiku’s critiques might appeal to some, Tinubu’s economic reforms were necessary steps to resolve longstanding issues, particularly with fuel subsidies and the forex market.
“No responsible leader would allow these economic disorders to persist without decisive action,” he stated.
Though acknowledging Atiku’s call for a more empathetic approach to reforms, Onanuga highlighted that Tinubu has been committed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians.
“Our administration is focused on compassionate governance, emphasizing social safety nets and targeted support for those affected by economic transitions,” he concluded.