APC Scribe Fires Back at Atiku, Questions His Economic Credentials Over Nigeria’s Hardship

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified its political confrontation with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, challenging his economic credentials and questioning his record in government as the battle over President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, has argued that opposition leaders criticising the administration’s economic policies should first account for their own records in public office, placing Atiku’s past role in government and Nigeria’s privatisation programme under renewed scrutiny.

The latest exchange reflects the growing contest between the ruling party and opposition figures over who bears responsibility for Nigeria’s economic difficulties and which policies offer the most credible path towards recovery.

Basiru faults Atiku’s record on privatisation

At the centre of Basiru’s criticism is Atiku’s involvement in Nigeria’s privatisation programme during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when the former vice-president chaired the National Council on Privatisation.

Basiru questioned the outcome of the process, citing the alleged undervaluation and poor fortunes of strategic national assets, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Osogbo Steel Rolling Mills, Delta Steel Company and the defunct Nigerian Airways.

The APC national secretary argued that opposition figures who previously occupied influential positions should be held accountable for decisions taken under their watch rather than present themselves as the solution to the country’s current problems.

His argument was that Nigerians must look beyond political promises and examine the records of those seeking to return to power, particularly where economic management and the disposal of public assets are concerned.

Fuel subsidy becomes another flashpoint

Basiru also defended Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, insisting that a return to the previous arrangement would place renewed pressure on government finances.

He maintained that the subsidy regime had constrained governments’ ability to pay workers’ salaries and pensions and finance infrastructure, recalling difficulties experienced during his own time in government in Osun State.

The APC secretary’s position aligns with the ruling party’s broader argument that subsidy removal and other economic reforms are necessary to improve fiscal sustainability, even as the consequences of the changes remain a major point of political contention.

The party has also challenged Atiku to explain the financial and legal implications of his proposal for a production subsidy on locally refined petrol, arguing that any such intervention must have a clearly defined funding mechanism and safeguards against abuse.

Economic hardship shapes the political contest

The dispute comes amid intensifying political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the economy emerging as a central battleground between Tinubu’s administration and opposition leaders.

Atiku has criticised the government’s handling of the economy and called for measures to ease the burden of high petrol prices on Nigerians. The APC, in response, has accused him and other opposition figures of inconsistency and challenged them to provide workable alternatives to the administration’s policies.

The exchange illustrates the competing narratives shaping the national economic debate: the ruling party argues that its reforms are necessary to correct longstanding structural problems, while critics insist that the cost borne by households and businesses demands more effective relief.