The Presidency has fired back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his scathing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the comments as “vitriolic,” “unfair,” and “devoid of facts.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accused Atiku of launching a politically motivated attack that ignored the substantial progress made by the Tinubu government in its first two years.
“Every line of the blanket criticism reeks of hate,” Onanuga said, expressing dismay that Atiku failed to acknowledge any of the reforms and achievements recorded since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. “Unless Atiku still lives in Dubai, he ought to admit that in just two years, President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on the most ambitious economic and institutional reforms ever seen in decades.”
The statement defended several major policy decisions by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate—reforms Onanuga pointed out were acknowledged by Atiku himself during the 2023 election campaign but not implemented when he had the opportunity.
“These reforms have stabilised government finances, curbed systemic corruption, and enabled direct investments into social programmes and infrastructure,” the statement said, noting a significant leap in the Nigerian Exchange’s All-Share Index from 50,000 to over 110,000, and a surge in market capitalization from N30 trillion to N69.4 trillion.
Countering Atiku’s claim that the Tinubu administration’s policies are anti-people, Onanuga highlighted new social welfare initiatives, including increased federal allocations that have allowed some states to raise minimum wages up to N85,000, and the rollout of the Student Loan Scheme, which has reportedly benefited over 600,000 students.
“Atiku’s assertion that education is out of reach for poor Nigerians is false,” Onanuga said. “The Student Loan Scheme ensures underprivileged children are not denied access to higher education.”
The statement also addressed Atiku’s claim that the 2025 budget would be funded through excessive borrowing, stating that the government plans to borrow only about $1.2 billion this year and has already paid off a $3.2 billion IMF loan inherited from previous administrations.
“Revenue has increased phenomenally. Debt service to revenue ratio has declined from 93 percent to 60 percent. This government has discontinued Ways & Means deficit financing for the first time in decades,” Onanuga added.
While acknowledging the challenges that have come with the economic reforms, Onanuga emphasized that the administration has been transparent and responsive. “Inflation is easing, food production is rising, investments are returning, and the foundation for a more prosperous, just, and inclusive Nigeria is being laid,” he said.
Onanuga also cautioned opposition figures, including Atiku, to elevate the tone of political discourse. “Criticism must be constructive. Nigerians deserve opposition leaders who offer solutions, not just partisan rhetoric and cheap talk,” he concluded.
President Tinubu marked his second anniversary in office this week, reiterating his commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s economy, deepening democratic values, and delivering on the promises made during his campaign.
