FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration, criticizing its economic management and claiming it has failed to achieve any meaningful success since coming into office.
Atiku, in a statement posted on his official X handle, accused the Tinubu government of lacking any credible accomplishments or record to defend, arguing that its only tactics are to foster “chaos and division.”
He wrote:
“…because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent. And make no mistake—an incompetent captain doesn’t just wreck his ship; he puts every passenger at risk.”
Atiku’s criticism follows a series of notable political defections.
On Wednesday, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also, a House of Representatives member, Oluwole Oke, announced his resignation from the PDP and joined the APC.
Speaking on the upcoming presidential election, Atiku stressed that the results will not hinge on party alliances but on the people’s shared aspirations.
He said:
“Let’s be clear: the real contest isn’t APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC. It’s Nigerians against an administration that has plunged the country into immense hardship. The economy is collapsing, inflation is strangling families, jobs are disappearing, and youth unrest is reaching alarming levels. Nigerians are not just weary—they are angry, and justifiably so.
“This is about our collective survival. The true enemy isn’t one another—it’s the Tinubu administration’s staggering failure. We must resist every attempt to divide us along ethnic, regional, or religious lines. These are tools of manipulation used by those who have nothing else to offer.”
Atiku noted that his decision to speak out was driven by overwhelming concern from Nigerians over the state of the nation.
He also addressed criticisms surrounding his recent visits to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I’ve received numerous inquiries from Nigerians concerned about political developments, especially the defections from the PDP.
“Let me be clear: in a democracy, freedom of association and expression are not optional; they are foundational. Along with the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability, these rights uphold our democracy.
“If any of these pillars are weakened, democracy itself begins to crumble. As someone committed to these values, I hold no ill will toward anyone for exercising their political rights. Defections, alliances, and realignments are part of political life.
“Some have criticized me for visiting former President Buhari. But let’s not distort history: Buhari remains a significant figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. During the 2013 opposition merger, leaders consulted widely, including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now wrong for me and other leaders to meet with Buhari?
“If we truly believe in freedom of association, we must respect all political engagements, regardless of party lines.
“When PDP leaders sit with President Tinubu to broker political deals, it’s called strategy. But when I meet with Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or Buhari, it becomes a crisis. The level of hypocrisy and selective outrage has never been this blatant.”
Meanwhile, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has downplayed the recent defection of key Delta State politicians to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that it poses no real threat to the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview yesterday, the PDP chieftain described the defections as a familiar political episode that holds little long-term consequence for the PDP.
