Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on addressing the challenges facing Nigerians rather than concentrating on political opponents ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president argued that Tinubu’s biggest challenge is not the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any opposition party, but the performance of his administration over the past three years.
Atiku’s reaction followed the President’s remarks during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Tinubu said he was prepared to “wrestle” his opponents in next year’s election.
The ADC presidential candidate said the President’s comments appeared to shift attention away from pressing national issues.
He maintained that at a time when Nigerians are battling economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, the focus of government should be on improving living conditions rather than political contests.
According to Atiku, the President should be concentrating on curbing inflation, tackling hunger, restoring security, stabilising the naira and rebuilding public trust in government.
“He should wrestle with millions of Nigerians who now skip meals because food has become a luxury.
“He should wrestle with the insecurity that has turned farming communities into graveyards and highways into hunting grounds for criminals,” he said.
The former vice president also pointed to rising unemployment and economic difficulties, arguing that many citizens continue to bear the consequences of government policies.
He added that democracy is built on accountability and performance, stressing that leaders secure re-election through results and effective governance.
Atiku further stated that Nigerians would not be entering a wrestling ring in 2027 but polling units, where they would assess the records of those seeking public office.
“The Nigerian people are not looking for a wrestler. They are looking for a leader. History will not remember who shouted the loudest; it will remember who governed the best,” he said.
Tackle Nigeria’s problems not political opponents – Atiku to Tinubu