President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other critics of his administration over complaints about hunger and economic hardship in the country, insisting that his government is working to correct problems inherited from previous administrations.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday during his official engagement in Rivers State, where he defended his administration’s economic policies and challenged those criticising the current situation to account for their own records in government.
The President specifically mentioned Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007, questioning his economic stewardship during his time in office.
“Those people talking of hunger, I’m cleaning the mess they created. Atiku was one of them,” Tinubu declared.
He further challenged the former Vice President to explain how he established a university while serving in government, asking who provided the resources used to build the institution.
“Ask him how he built a university while in office as vice president in charge of our economy. Who built the university for him? It’s your money,” the President said.
Tinubu’s comments appeared to be a direct response to mounting criticism from opposition figures, particularly Atiku, over the rising cost of living, food prices and the economic difficulties confronting millions of Nigerians.
The President maintained that his administration is addressing challenges inherited from previous governments, suggesting that those who previously occupied positions of authority should also be held accountable for their records.
His remarks have added another dimension to the growing political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now a prominent opposition figure, has consistently criticised the Tinubu administration over its handling of the economy and the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
The latest exchange underscores the intensifying political debate over who should bear responsibility for Nigeria’s economic difficulties and which political leadership has the most credible solutions to the country’s challenges.
As the 2027 elections approach, the economy, cost of living and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians are expected to remain central issues in the contest for public support.
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