Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise addressing Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and insecurity rather than engaging in political confrontations with opposition figures.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the call while reacting to President Tinubu’s recent remarks that opposition politicians were “crying wolf” because they feared the outcome of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the President’s greatest challenge was not the opposition but the performance of his administration.

He argued that millions of Nigerians are more concerned about rising food prices, inflation, unemployment and persistent insecurity than political exchanges ahead of the next election.

According to Atiku, the Federal Government should focus on easing the hardship facing citizens and improving security across the country instead of directing its attention towards political opponents.

He also criticised what he described as the President’s combative remarks during an engagement with leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, saying the occasion required reassurance, unity and statesmanship.

Atiku maintained that Nigerians expect practical solutions to the country’s pressing economic and security challenges, insisting that governance should take precedence over political rhetoric.

His latest comments add to the growing exchange of words between the Presidency and opposition leaders as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to intensify.