Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of evading responsibility for Nigeria’s economic hardship after blaming the opposition for hunger and poverty.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication of the ADC presidential campaign council, Atiku described Tinubu’s remarks as a “delusional, shameless attempt” to avoid accountability for his administration’s record.

Tinubu had blamed the opposition for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger; they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the president said.

Tinubu also defended his administration’s performance, saying salaries were being paid regularly, and praised APC governors for their work.

But Atiku said the ruling party could not blame the opposition for economic difficulties after 11 years in power, including eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and Tinubu’s tenure since 2023.

“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia. The APC governed Nigeria for eight years before you took office. You have added another three and a half years,” he said.

“Nigerians know who has been in power, and hardship did not begin when the opposition started talking about it. Stop insulting their intelligence and answer for your record.”

Atiku said the economic difficulties facing Nigerians could not be dismissed by blaming political opponents.

“The hardship your administration has brought upon Nigerians is real. You cannot deny it by blaming others,” he said.

ATIKU QUESTIONS ABUJA-KADUNA EXPRESSWAY INAUGURATION

The former vice-president also criticised Tinubu over the inauguration of the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, alleging that the road was unfinished.

“Your decision to commission the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium shows how far removed you are from the daily reality of Nigerians. A road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon cutting ceremony,” he said.

Atiku questioned the administration’s handling of fuel subsidy removal and the naira’s depreciation, asking which government presided over the changes.

The ADC presidential candidate also questioned the extension of the 2024 budget into 2025 alongside the implementation of a separate 2025 budget..

Atiku criticised the administration over insecurity, citing killings, kidnappings and displacement in communities across the country.

“These are the questions Nigerians are asking while your government blames the opposition,” he said.

Atiku said Tinubu should focus on addressing the country’s economic challenges rather than blaming political opponents for them.

“You cannot govern for three years, make life harder, and then blame others for describing the hardship. You asked who created the hunger. Nigerians are asking what you have done to end it,” he said.

“The 2027 presidential election will be a referendum on your record. Nigerians have felt the cost of your leadership in their homes, markets and communities. Their verdict is already clear: they have rejected your administration.”