Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a strong critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, declaring that Nigeria’s current reality is defined by hunger, insecurity, poverty and growing despair.
In a sharply worded statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Tinubu government has failed to live up to its “Renewed Hope” promise.
Instead, he argued, Nigerians are now experiencing what he described as “renewed hardship and renewed hopelessness.”
“Renewed Hope Has Become Renewed Hardship”
Atiku said the expectations that greeted Tinubu’s inauguration three years ago have been replaced by widespread frustration across the country.
According to him, the government came into office with promises of economic revival and stability, but Nigerians are instead facing rising inflation, collapsing purchasing power and worsening living conditions.
“Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness,” he said.
Rising Cost Of Living And Economic Pressure
Atiku pointed to the escalating cost of food, transportation and basic necessities as evidence of economic mismanagement.
He said millions of families can no longer afford basic meals, while businesses continue to struggle under inflationary pressure and currency instability.
According to him, unemployment and naira depreciation have further worsened the situation, pushing more Nigerians into poverty.
For Atiku, the gap between government statements and public reality has become too wide to ignore.
₦11.9 Trillion Borrowed — Where Did The Money Go?
One of the strongest criticisms raised by the former vice president centred on government borrowing.
Atiku alleged that the federal government borrowed about ₦11.9 trillion within nine months, but only a small fraction was spent on capital projects.
“Nigerians are therefore entitled to ask a simple question: where did the rest of the money go?” he asked.
He suggested that public resources are not translating into visible development or improved living conditions for citizens.
Insecurity: “The Strongest Indictment Of Government Failure”
Atiku also highlighted Nigeria’s worsening security situation, describing it as one of the clearest signs of governance failure.
He referenced recent mass abductions of schoolchildren in parts of Borno State and Oyo State, saying such incidents reflect a country where safety can no longer be guaranteed.
“What greater evidence of failure can there be than parents sending their children to school only to receive news that they have been abducted?” he said.
According to him, insecurity has made daily life unpredictable and unsafe for millions of Nigerians.
“No Amount Of Propaganda Can Fill An Empty Stomach”
The former vice president accused the administration of relying on propaganda instead of addressing real economic and security challenges.
He argued that government messaging cannot change the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.
“No amount of propaganda can fill an empty stomach. No amount of spin can erase insecurity,” Atiku said.
He stressed that governance should be judged not by official statistics, but by the condition of citizens.
Call To Nigerians: “Use The Ballot Box”
Atiku urged Nigerians to remain politically active and use elections as a tool for change.
According to him, the ballot box remains the most powerful instrument citizens have to demand accountability.
He encouraged voters to organise, mobilise and participate actively in shaping the country’s future.
ADC To Unveil Policy Blueprint
Looking ahead, Atiku revealed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would soon unveil a detailed policy framework aimed at addressing Nigeria’s key challenges.
The proposed blueprint, according to him, will focus on:
- Economic recovery
- Job creation
- Security reforms
- Fiscal discipline
- Education revival
- Healthcare expansion
- Institutional rebuilding
He said the ADC intends to present a governance model driven by competence, planning and professional expertise rather than rhetoric.
A Battle For Nigeria’s Political Narrative
Atiku’s comments reflect the growing political tension ahead of future elections, where performance, perception and public frustration are increasingly shaping national debate.
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While the government continues to highlight reforms and long-term gains, opposition voices insist that Nigerians are still waiting for real, tangible improvement.
Between these two narratives lies the central question shaping Nigeria’s political future: Is the country truly recovering — or simply enduring?