“You’re Incompetent and Lawless” — Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Economy, Insecurity in New Year Message
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a sweeping critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of deepening Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity, and democratic decline.
In his New Year message released on Thursday, Atiku faulted the Tinubu-led government for what he described as incompetence, disregard for the rule of law, and political intimidation. PulseNets learnt that the former vice-president painted a grim picture of national life in 2025, calling it one of the most punishing periods in Nigeria’s recent history.
According to Atiku, the widespread suffering across the country stems from economic mismanagement and what he termed governance without empathy under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled federal government.
The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate further lamented that Nigerians endured what he called “economic suffocation, political recklessness, and policy collapse” over the past year. PulseNets obtained his remarks in which he alleged that the Tinubu administration functioned for several months without a properly operational budget, leaning instead on propaganda and unsustainable borrowing.
Now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku referenced the controversy surrounding a disputed tax law as a symbol of what he described as institutional decay within the current government, declaring, “Any government that begins reform on the foundation of forgery cannot logically end in prosperity.”
He also accused the ruling party of intentionally weakening democratic institutions, claiming there were calculated moves to intimidate opponents and convert Nigeria into a de facto one-party state through state capture.
Atiku further raised concerns over worsening insecurity in 2025, noting that kidnappings, abductions, and violent crimes had spread across the country. He added that rising unemployment, labour unrest, and the collapse of small and medium-sized businesses had compounded the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the resilience of citizens, stating, “In spite of these failures — including the embarrassing deployment of unqualified and undistinguished individuals as Nigeria’s representatives abroad — the nation endured. Not because of government capacity, but because Nigerians themselves refused to give up.”
He urged citizens to remain steadfast, describing the statement as “one of the most painful New Year messages I have ever had to write,” given what he said was the despair confronting millions due to what he characterised as the callous and soulless policies of the Tinubu-led APC government.
Atiku also dismissed repeated calls by government officials for citizens to make sacrifices, branding such appeals as cruel and morally indefensible when leaders continue to live in comfort. “Leadership that does not share in the pain of the people is not leadership at all; it is exploitation,” he said.
On anti-corruption, the former vice-president accused the administration of selective enforcement, alleging that state institutions are being weaponised against political opponents. PulseNets reported that he described the current anti-graft drive as a façade.
“This so-called war on corruption is selective, vindictive, and driven by political calculations. It has been reduced to an instrument for harassing opposition figures rather than cleansing the system,” Atiku stated.
He added, “The fight against corruption is necessary. But when agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, are deployed against opponents while allies enjoy protection, justice is ridiculed. Institutions must operate without fear or favour.”
In the same message, Atiku warned that a government capable of manipulating laws could not be trusted to organise credible elections in 2027. He therefore called on Nigerians to begin active civic engagement ahead of the polls.
Also Read: Why Atiku Turned Against Jonathan in 2015: Insider Reveals Untold Political Rift
“I call on all patriotic Nigerians to engage, mobilise, persuade, and organise. Prepare not only to vote in 2027, but to defend your votes,” he urged.
He concluded with a rallying call, saying, “Let us vote out hunger, insecurity, unemployment, corruption, dishonesty, abductions, lies, and propaganda. Nigerians deserve dignity. 2026 is the year to till the ground; 2027 is the season of harvest. There is no turning back. Let us rise, organise, and reclaim our country.”
