2027: Atiku Demands Apology, Loan Accountability From Tinubu, APC

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress to apologise to Nigerians over the economic hardship and explain how the loans obtained by the Federal Government have been used ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, while criticising the impact of the government’s economic policies on households and workers.

According to Atiku, many Nigerians are struggling with the rising cost of food, transportation and other basic needs despite repeated announcements about increased government revenue.

He argued that the situation had created a gap between the government’s reported economic gains and the daily experiences of ordinary citizens.

The former Vice President also referred to the International Monetary Fund’s June 2026 assessment of Nigeria, which said economic reforms had improved macroeconomic stability while noting that conditions remained difficult for many Nigerians. The IMF estimated that poverty had reached 63 per cent under the national poverty line and that about 27 million Nigerians experienced food insecurity in late 2025.

Atiku said the pressure on households had also been worsened by higher fuel, food and transportation costs. He argued that economic reforms should eventually improve the living conditions of citizens rather than leave them struggling to meet basic needs.

He questioned how Nigerians were expected to benefit from government revenue figures when many families were still finding it difficult to afford food and transportation.

The ADC candidate further demanded greater accountability over the government’s borrowing, asking the Tinubu administration to explain the loans obtained and how the funds had been applied.

Atiku also criticised the government’s continued focus on economic indicators, arguing that improvements in revenue and other macroeconomic figures should be reflected in the daily lives of Nigerians.

The IMF, in its June 2026 report, said Nigeria’s reforms had strengthened macroeconomic stability and resilience but also warned that higher fuel and food prices could worsen poverty and food insecurity.

Atiku’s latest comments form part of his broader criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies as the country moves towards the 2027 presidential election. The ADC presidential candidate has continued to call for greater transparency over government revenue, borrowing and the effects of the reforms on Nigerians.