Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its revised Presidential Campaign Council, accusing President Bola Tinubu of prioritising political alliances over Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Atiku, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, described the expanded council as “a crowded confession of Tinubu’s fear”, arguing that a larger campaign structure could not erase the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
“Only a man afraid of his record would think he could bury it under hundreds of names. Tinubu can gather every governor, minister and political defector in Nigeria. None of them can erase the hunger in people’s homes, bring back those killed by violence or free Nigerians still held captive. Their families are waiting for answers, not another campaign list,” he said.
The former vice-president argued that while the administration continued to expand its political machinery, households were struggling with rising living costs and insecurity.
He also questioned the decision to inaugurate the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing the venue as an inappropriate use of public office for a party political event.
“The Presidential Villa belongs to the Nigerian people. It is not a campaign venue or the private property of any political party. Using it for an APC political event is a gross breach of public trust and a troubling abuse of public office,” Atiku said.
He further questioned why the inauguration took place at night within the Villa, arguing that the event should have been held at one of Abuja’s available public venues.
Atiku maintained that the administration’s growing political alliances would not necessarily translate into public support, insisting that voters would assess Tinubu based on their economic circumstances and experiences under his government.
He also cited the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, which he said recorded an increase of 17.9 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, blaming the administration for worsening hardship and insecurity.
“The 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index recorded an increase of 17.9 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty. Three and a half years of Tinubu’s leadership have left millions in deeper hardship and thousands more traumatised by insecurity. Tinubu can write all the names he likes on his campaign list; his record has given millions of Nigerians a reason to vote against him. They are the automatic volunteer wing of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council,” he said.
The ADC chieftain added that an enlarged campaign council could not resolve the cost-of-living crisis, restore workers’ purchasing power or make essential goods more affordable.
He contrasted the APC’s expanded political structure with what he described as the ADC’s more focused campaign team, saying the opposition party intended to present its case directly to Nigerians.
Atiku said voters would ultimately judge the president by their daily experiences, including food affordability, transport costs, school fees and concerns over the safety of loved ones.
His remarks form part of the ADC’s criticism of Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general election.
