2027: Tinubu group fires back at Atiku over President’s vacation

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 has told former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to focus on selling his political agenda to Nigerians instead of criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his current vacation abroad.

The group dismissed concerns about Tinubu’s absence from the country, describing the trip as a normal break that does not amount to a leadership vacuum.

In a statement released in Kaduna on Sunday, the movement’s National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, said the former vice-president should use the period leading to the 2027 general elections to explain how his proposed policies would differ from those of the current administration.

The group also raised questions about Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy, pointing to what it described as a shift from his stance during the 2023 presidential election.

It said voters needed to hear concrete and consistent policy proposals from politicians seeking their support.

“After contesting for the presidency repeatedly since 1993, Atiku should be telling Nigerians what he intends to do differently, rather than spending his time attacking President Tinubu.

“In 2023, he told Nigerians he would remove fuel subsidy. Today, he is talking about bringing it back. Nigerians deserve to know whether this is a genuine policy position or simply an attempt to respond to the current economic situation.”

The movement said preparations for the 2027 elections were already under way, following the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

It therefore advised opposition politicians to take their messages directly to voters and provide detailed solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges.

The group specifically challenged Atiku to explain how he would tackle the economy, insecurity and unemployment if given the opportunity to lead the country.

“INEC has rolled out the timetable. Atiku should go out and campaign and tell Nigerians what he has for them. Criticising President Tinubu because he has gone on vacation will not work.

“Presidents and world leaders go on vacation. A vacation does not mean a country has been abandoned. Nigeria has functioning institutions and officials responsible for ensuring that government continues to run,” the group said.

The movement also called on Nigerians to judge the Tinubu administration on its policies and record, while urging opposition candidates to present credible alternatives as the 2027 election approaches.