Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria.
Atiku made the allegation in a state-of-the-nation broadcast at the ADC secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
He cited rising insecurity and the cost of living as major concerns, while disputing President Tinubu’s assertion in his Independence Day address that the government’s economic reforms were beginning to deliver prosperity.
According to Atiku, after 66 years of independence, the country had been pushed “deeper into poverty, far from the dreams of the founding fathers” under the All Progressives Congress-led administration.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, saying the 2027 general election would provide an opportunity for citizens to choose a government capable of addressing the country’s challenges and driving prosperity.
Atiku also called for the immediate release of individuals he described as being “unlawfully” detained.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 election and reject claims that the outcome had already been predetermined. He also called on voters to protect their votes on election day.