ATIKU ACCUSES TINUBU OF FEARING PUBLIC JUDGMENT AS 2027 ELECTION BATTLE INTENSIFIES

By NaijaParrot October 15, 2026

 ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of being afraid to face Nigerians over his administration’s record, arguing that political alliances and an expanded campaign structure cannot shield the President from public criticism ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku made the remarks amid growing political activity surrounding the next presidential election, as the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensifies its criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the number of politicians supporting Tinubu would not erase the economic difficulties and security challenges Nigerians had experienced under his administration. The former Vice-President argued that voters would ultimately assess the President based on their daily experiences rather than the size of his political support network. 

 Atiku’s criticism followed the expansion of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, which is expected to coordinate political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. He described the expanded structure as an attempt to surround the President with political figures rather than address concerns about the cost of living, insecurity and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. The former Vice-President argued that assembling governors, ministers and influential politicians would not automatically translate into public support at the ballot box. He also questioned the reported decision to inaugurate the campaign council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, maintaining that the seat of government should not be used for partisan political activities. Atiku said the Presidential Villa belongs to Nigerians and should remain separate from the campaign activities of any political party. 

 The ADC chieftain linked his criticism to the economic pressures facing households across the country, including rising living costs and concerns over personal safety. He argued that political leaders should focus on making essential goods more affordable, improving security and addressing the difficulties confronting workers, families and businesses. Atiku has also criticised the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol discount, describing it as inadequate to compensate Nigerians for years of economic hardship. In a statement reported on October 9, he argued that temporary relief would not resolve the wider challenges associated with food prices, transportation costs, electricity and declining purchasing power. 2027 

 Atiku’s latest remarks underline the opposition’s emerging strategy of making economic conditions, insecurity and public accountability central issues in the 2027 election campaign. The former Vice-President has maintained that voters will judge the President by the conditions they experience under his administration, regardless of the number of political figures enlisted to support his re-election bid. However, Atiku’s comments represent the position of an opposition politician seeking to challenge the incumbent. The APC’s own assessment of the expanded campaign council and its response to the latest allegations should be considered separately. The political contest is expected to intensify as parties organise their campaign structures and present their positions on the country’s economic and security challenges. 

 Atiku has challenged Tinubu to answer for his administration’s record, arguing that political alliances cannot replace solutions to the problems confronting Nigerians. With preparations for the 2027 elections gaining momentum, the dispute reflects a wider political contest over governance, economic management, security and accountability. 

 NaijaParrot will continue to report verified developments and statements from the parties involved. 

NaijaParrot — Hear It First! Hear It True!