The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has hit back at President Bola Tinubu over remarks questioning his investment in education, stressing that the foundation of his educational institution was laid before he assumed public office.
Atiku described Tinubu’s comments as an attempt to distract Nigerians from what he called the failures of the present administration.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said that his investment in education predated his tenure as Vice President.
He disclosed that he began laying the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993, noting that the institution had since grown into the American University of Nigeria (AUN).
Atiku contrasted his business history with Tinubu’s, alleging that while he was establishing the educational institution in 1993, a United States court had ordered the forfeiture of $460,000 in an account linked to the President over allegations involving proceeds of narcotics trafficking or unlawful financial transactions.
He maintained that his business and educational investments were traceable, challenging Tinubu’s attempt to question his record.
The former Vice President also criticised the Tinubu administration over the country’s economic situation, accusing it of worsening poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis.
He claimed that more than 79 million Nigerians had been pushed into extreme poverty under the current administration, while faulting the government for allegedly failing to acknowledge the hardship confronting citizens.
Atiku further condemned comments attributed to Tinubu’s campaign Director-General, who reportedly described hungry Nigerians as lazy, saying such remarks demonstrated a lack of understanding of the difficulties facing the population.
On the 2027 presidential election, the ADC presidential candidate declared his determination to challenge Tinubu, emphasising that the President had no achievements to campaign on after three and a half years in office.
He also defended his Affordable Life campaign, describing it as an alternative to the hardship Nigerians were experiencing under the current government.
Atiku promised that, if elected President, he would restore what he described as a transparent, production-based fuel subsidy tied to local refining, with the aim of reducing the cost of petrol, diesel, and other energy expenses.
He also pledged increased investment in social welfare and an end to what he characterised as an opaque system for managing funds meant for economically vulnerable Nigerians.
Atiku reiterated that attempts to remove him from the 2027 presidential ballot would not succeed, expressing confidence that he would defeat Tinubu in the election.
He added that his campaign would remain focused on restoring prosperity, economic growth, and development in Nigeria.
