NIGERIA: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s revised Presidential Campaign Council, describing it as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s alleged fear of public rejection ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku said Nigerians would not renew what he described as a “mandate of hardship”, arguing that an expanded campaign council could not erase the economic difficulties and security challenges confronting citizens.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the size of the APC’s campaign team reflected a growing concern over the administration’s record.
He argued that the President’s decision to assemble hundreds of political figures would not address hunger, insecurity, kidnappings and the rising cost of living.
“Only a man afraid of his record would think he could bury it under hundreds of names. Tinubu can gather every governor, minister and political defector in Nigeria. None of them can erase the hunger in people’s homes, bring back those killed by violence or free Nigerians still held captive,” Atiku said.
He added that families affected by insecurity needed answers rather than another campaign list.
Atiku also accused Tinubu of prioritising political alliances over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, alleging that the administration had failed to adequately address the pressure of rising living costs on households.
“Tinubu has room for an army of ministers and a stadium full of campaign officials, but no room in his plans for Nigerians crushed by the cost of living. He feeds his political machine and tells hungry families to sacrifice,” he said.
The former Vice-President argued that political endorsements and the support of influential figures would not necessarily translate into public approval, insisting that voters would assess the administration based on their experiences.
He said Nigerians would have an opportunity to express their judgment at the ballot in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Atiku Faults APC Campaign Council’s Inauguration at Aso Rock
Atiku also condemned the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing the venue as inappropriate for a partisan political event.
According to him, the Presidential Villa belongs to all Nigerians and should not be used as the venue for a political party’s campaign activities.
“The Presidential Villa belongs to the Nigerian people. It is not a campaign venue or the private property of any political party. Using it for an APC political event is a gross breach of public trust and a troubling abuse of public office,” he said.
He questioned why the APC chose to inaugurate its campaign council at night within the Villa’s premises when other venues were available in Abuja.
“Abuja has no shortage of halls and public spaces large enough to host a campaign gathering. Why, then, did Bola Tinubu choose to inaugurate his campaign council at night, behind the gates of the Presidential Villa?” Atiku asked.
He maintained that a president confident in his administration’s record should be willing to publicly defend it before seeking another term.
Atiku further accused the government of demanding sacrifices from citizens while allowing the political establishment to expand its influence and privileges.
He said the APC’s decision to produce a longer campaign council list after criticism of its initial composition demonstrated, in his view, the administration’s reliance on political figures to counter public dissatisfaction.
“When the first list drew criticism, Tinubu had a chance to show that he understood the country’s anger. Instead, he returned with an even longer list, reaching into other parties for more names. He is collecting politicians like shields against public judgment,” he said.
Atiku Cites Rising Poverty, Insecurity
The former Vice-President also cited the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, which he said recorded an increase of 17.9 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty.
He attributed the worsening economic conditions and insecurity to Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that millions of citizens had experienced greater hardship during the administration.
Atiku said the difficulties confronting households, including food affordability, workers’ purchasing power, school fees and the safety of travellers, would remain central issues in the election.
“Tinubu can write all the names he likes on his campaign list; his record has given millions of Nigerians a reason to vote against him. They are the automatic volunteer wing of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council,” he said.
He maintained that no campaign structure could substitute for improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
The ADC presidential campaign spokesman also contrasted the opposition party’s campaign preparations with the APC’s expanded council, saying the ADC had assembled what Atiku described as a focused team to present its case to the electorate.
He insisted that the size of a campaign council would not determine voters’ decisions, arguing that Nigerians would judge the President by their experiences under his administration.
“On January 16, the ballot will contain no column for the size of a campaign council. Nigerians will judge Tinubu by the lives they have lived under his government,” Atiku said.
He concluded that the President would ultimately have to answer to Nigerians over the economic and security challenges they face, regardless of the number of political figures enlisted to support his re-election campaign.
