Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging the President to “come down” from Aso Rock and see the difficulties facing Nigerians.
Atiku made the remarks in his Independence Day address on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary of independence.
The ADC presidential candidate challenged Tinubu’s assessment of the economy, after the President said in his Independence Day address that his administration’s reforms were beginning to translate into prosperity for Nigerians.
Atiku argued that economic growth and declining inflation would mean little to citizens if they remained unable to afford basic necessities.
“Let us bring this argument down from the podium to the places where Nigerians make their daily choices: the filling station, the market stall and the breakfast table,” Atiku said.
He cited the increase in petrol prices and the difference in purchasing power between the ₦30,000 minimum wage in 2023 and the ₦70,000 minimum wage currently, arguing that the amount of petrol workers can purchase with their wages has fallen significantly.
Atiku also criticised the government over what he described as rising poverty, insecurity and the cost of living, saying millions of Nigerians were struggling with food, healthcare, transportation and other basic needs.
“Let him come down from Aso Rock and meet the Nigerians still struggling to get to the other side,” he said, referring to Tinubu’s Independence Day remarks about Nigeria having crossed the “Red Sea.”
Atiku said citizens had the right to examine the government’s record before deciding whether those in power should receive another mandate. He urged Nigerians to participate in the 2027 election and protect their votes.
He also called for the release of some individuals whom he described as unlawfully detained, including five young Nigerians arrested in Borno after allegedly wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts. The Borno State Police Command, however, said the suspects were arrested over allegations including inciting public disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit drugs, rather than merely for wearing the shirts.
The former Vice President further promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would seek to strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission and ensure that electoral offences were prosecuted regardless of party affiliation.
Atiku is the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. He has previously endorsed the “Tinubu Must Go” movement, describing it as part of what he called a collective effort to change the country’s direction.
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