President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a pointed swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ridiculing his role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme and casting doubt on the credibility of emerging opposition figures.
Speaking at a Renewed Hope Agenda meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu criticised leaders of the opposition coalition, arguing that many of them have histories that undermine their current political posture. He singled out Atiku, referencing his past position as chairman of Nigeria’s privatisation council during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a remark laced with sarcasm, Tinubu suggested that those now positioning themselves as reformers were deeply involved in policies they may now be implicitly criticising. He noted that “no one among them is without history,” adding that the “head” of the group had once overseen the country’s privatisation programme.
The president further mocked internal contradictions within opposition ranks, alluding to disputes and inconsistencies among coalition members. He also referenced broader political manoeuvres, suggesting that some actors had previously influenced or “privatised” political structures to their advantage, a comment widely interpreted as a dig at Atiku and allied figures.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and played a key role in economic reforms of that era, has in recent years aligned with other opposition leaders in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Tinubu’s remarks come amid intensifying political positioning and coalition-building across party lines, with both the ruling party and opposition blocs sharpening narratives around competence, legacy, and economic stewardship.
The exchange underscores a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s political landscape, where past roles in government policy—particularly contentious reforms like privatisation—remain potent tools in shaping public perception and electoral strategy.
