By Oluwatobi Omotosho
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected the Presidency’s defense of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, insisting that the realities faced by Nigerians contradict claims of economic recovery.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that while the government celebrates improvements in macroeconomic indicators, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with rising poverty, food insecurity and worsening living conditions.
He maintained that economic reforms should be measured by their impact on the welfare of citizens rather than statistical achievements, stressing that many families and businesses are still facing severe economic hardship.
Citing findings by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Atiku said a significant proportion of Nigerians now live below the national poverty line, while millions continue to experience food insecurity. He added that the IMF also called for stronger social protection measures despite acknowledging progress in some reform areas.
The former Vice President also questioned the Federal Government’s continued borrowing, asking why the country was accumulating more debt despite reported increases in revenue and the removal of fuel subsidy.
Atiku further argued that although Nigerians accepted the need for economic reforms, the expected improvements in public services, infrastructure, healthcare and education have yet to be fully realised.
He called on the Federal Government to focus on policies that directly improve the living conditions of citizens, rather than relying solely on economic indicators to measure success.
