Atiku Criticizes Tinubu on Economic Policy and Local Government Autonomy

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration, accusing it of hypocrisy in its economic policies and of failing to enforce a key Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy. In a series of statements released on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the former vice president outlined his own policy proposals while challenging the government's consistency and commitment to reform.

At the center of the dispute is the cost of living. Atiku, through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, argued that President Tinubu cannot condemn his proposals to reduce living costs while simultaneously pursuing similar measures under the banner of "Renewed Hope." The statement contended that for over three years, Nigerians have endured high transport fares, soaring food prices, and crippling energy costs, with the government previously framing this hardship as an unavoidable price of reform. It questioned why cheaper transportation has now become urgent for the administration, stating, "You cannot condemn cheaper living when Atiku proposes it and rename the same objective Renewed Hope when...