Atiku to Tinubu: Fight hunger, insecurity, not political opponents 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to concentrate on tackling Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and insecurity instead of engaging in political battles with his opponents.

Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, made the remarks while responding to President Tinubu’s recent comments suggesting that opposition politicians were “crying wolf” because they feared the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the President’s greatest challenge was not the opposition but the performance of his administration.

He maintained that millions of Nigerians were more concerned about soaring food prices, inflation, unemployment and persistent insecurity than political rhetoric.

According to Atiku, rather than directing his attention towards political rivals, the President should focus on easing the burden on citizens grappling with the rising cost of living and improving security across the country. He said those issues, not political contests, should occupy the government’s attention.

The former vice president also criticised what he described as combative language from the President during an engagement with leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, saying the occasion called for reassurance and statesmanship.

Atiku said Nigerians expected practical solutions to the country’s pressing challenges, insisting that improving the economy and restoring security should take precedence over political exchanges.

The latest remarks add to the growing war of words between the Presidency and opposition figures as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.