Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a tenure of propaganda and accusing the Federal Government of focusing on image management while millions of Nigerians continue to battle worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and rising living costs.
The criticism came amid continuing political exchanges between opposition leaders and the ruling All Progressives Congress over the state of the economy and governance under the Tinubu administration.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market. Government officials have defended the policies as necessary economic corrections intended to stabilise public finances and attract investment. However, the reforms have also coincided with sharp increases in inflation, transportation costs, electricity tariffs, and food prices, leading to mounting criticism from opposition politicians and labour groups.
In his statement, Atiku accused the administration of operating a tenure of propaganda instead of confronting the realities facing Nigerians.
He said the Federal Government continued to celebrate economic policies and public relations messaging despite worsening conditions across the country. According to Atiku, many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities as inflation continues to affect households and businesses.
The former presidential candidate stated that insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and declining purchasing power remain major concerns for citizens despite repeated government assurances about economic recovery. Atiku declared that “your tenure of propaganda is coming to an end,” insisting that Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated with what he described as a disconnect between official government narratives and the realities experienced by ordinary citizens.
He further argued that governance should be judged through measurable improvements in living conditions rather than media campaigns and political communication strategies. The remarks also come at a time when political parties and major opposition figures are beginning early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Government officials, however, have consistently maintained that the administration’s reforms require time to deliver long-term economic benefits and structural stability. The Presidency and senior officials have repeatedly defended ongoing policies, arguing that difficult economic decisions were necessary to prevent deeper fiscal challenges and improve national revenue management.
The exchange over the alleged tenure of propaganda reflects intensifying political disagreements regarding economic management and public accountability.
Political analysts say issues surrounding inflation, cost of living, and economic hardship are likely to dominate political debates ahead of future elections. The development also underscores growing pressure on the Federal Government to demonstrate tangible improvements in economic conditions as public expectations continue to rise.
