Bashiru questions Atiku’s expertise, blames ex-VP for Nigeria’s economic woes

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Bashiru, has questioned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s capacity to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, arguing that his experience in government does not establish his expertise in economic management.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed Atiku’s presidential ambition and the opposition’s prospects against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The APC national secretary challenged Atiku to demonstrate the expertise required to manage the economy, questioning what he had accomplished during his time as vice-president.

“Atiku is not a professional, please, with respect to him,” Bashiru said, referring to the former vice-president’s educational background and earlier career in the Nigeria Customs Service.

He argued that occupying the office of vice-president did not automatically make Atiku an economic expert, asking Nigerians to examine the former presidential candidate’s professional profile.

Bashiru also accused Atiku of contributing to the economic problems the Tinubu administration is attempting to address, although he did not provide specific examples to substantiate the allegation during the remarks reported.

“If there are challenges that is being addressed by President Tinubu, one of the main people that caused it is Atiku Abubakar,” he said.

Bashiru’s remarks add to the growing exchange between the APC and opposition figures over who can better manage Nigeria’s economy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, who served as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, is seeking the presidency again under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He was the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Bashiru dismissed the former vice-president as a serious threat to the ruling party, predicting that Nigerians would reject his latest presidential bid.

He compared Atiku’s political position to that of the late Kenyan opposition leader Oginga Odinga, describing the former vice-president’s anticipated 2027 campaign as his final attempt to become president.

The APC official also criticised opposition politicians making promises to reduce petrol prices, arguing that electoral promises must be realistic and supported by credible plans.

He specifically questioned claims that petrol could be sold for between ₦200 and ₦300 per litre, describing such proposals as unrealistic and accusing politicians of making misleading promises to win votes.

“You must not lie to people because you want to get their votes. You must even say something that is even realistic,” Bashiru said.

Bashiru also dismissed proposals to sell petrol at ₦200 to ₦300 per litre, challenging opposition politicians to explain how they would achieve such prices if elected in 2027.