Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has fired back at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of hypocrisy, misrepresenting history, and acting out of political desperation.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the President’s recent comments as a “reckless outburst” that reflects what he called a pattern of contradiction and selective recollection of facts.
The former Vice-President expressed surprise that a sitting President who has faced recurring scrutiny over his personal credentials would attempt to discredit others with what he termed a well-established record of public service.
Atiku’s camp also tackled Tinubu’s stance on privatisation, arguing that the President’s criticism lacks merit.
It recalled that Tinubu had, in the past, opposed key reform initiatives which he is now seen to be implementing.
The statement maintained that Atiku had consistently championed the privatisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and the sale of refineries to credible investors, positions it claimed were resisted at the time.
It, however, alleged that the current administration is overseeing a system that has effectively commercialised the national oil firm without adequate transparency or accountability.
Describing the process as flawed, the statement noted, “This is not genuine reform but privatisation carried out without openness or clear accountability.”
The response further highlighted Atiku’s role in past economic reforms, citing the transformation of several firms as evidence of the effectiveness of policies implemented during his tenure. It listed companies such as Oando Plc, Conoil Plc, Ardova Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Benue Cement Company, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja as outcomes of the privatisation drive.
The statement also criticised the President’s remarks, suggesting they reflect a poor grasp of documented economic reforms in the country. It referenced accounts of the privatisation programme documented by Nasir El-Rufai in his book, The Accidental Public Servant.
Atiku’s camp further faulted the tone of Tinubu’s comments, saying the use of ridicule in addressing serious national issues raises concerns about leadership style.
It added that the President’s remarks come at a time Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, inflation, and worsening economic conditions, which, according to the statement, have eroded purchasing power and forced many households into hardship.
The statement concluded that Atiku’s public service record remains “clear, verifiable and open to scrutiny,” while urging the President to exercise caution in making allegations, noting that questions have continued to trail aspects of his own background.