Presidency Fires Back at Atiku: “Only the Blind Can’t See Tinubu’s Achievement”

The Presidency has sharply rebuffed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s scathing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, insisting that only those who “choose to be blind” would fail to see the government’s achievements over the past two years.

Atiku, in a statement marking the Tinubu administration’s second anniversary, accused the government of deepening poverty, favoring the elite through class-driven policies, and setting records in wasteful public spending. He also lambasted the administration for what he called a systematic neglect of the poor in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and public services.

Responding swiftly, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the former vice president’s comments as partisan rhetoric lacking substance.

“We have made progress,” Onanuga said in a statement. “Inflation is easing, food production is rising, investments are returning, and the foundation for a more prosperous, just, and inclusive Nigeria is being laid. These gains are in plain sight for everyone. Only those who play blind will not see them.”

He acknowledged the difficulty of the economic reforms but emphasized their necessity in preventing a fiscal collapse and reversing years of unsustainable governance.

“During the campaign, President Tinubu never promised that the reforms would be painless,” Onanuga said. “But he was clear they were essential to stabilize our economy and create long-term, inclusive growth.”

The Tinubu administration has implemented major structural reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates—measures previous governments, including that of Obasanjo-Atiku, failed to implement despite proposing them.

“Even Atiku pledged these reforms in his manifesto. All three leading candidates in the 2023 elections agreed they were necessary. But President Tinubu, having won the mandate, had the courage to execute them,” Onanuga noted.

He also responded to Atiku’s claim that the policies are anti-poor, highlighting measures such as the expansion of social safety nets, targeted support for low-income households, and an increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, with some states reportedly paying up to N85,000.

On the education front, Onanuga pointed to the newly introduced Student Loan Scheme, which he said has already benefited over 600,000 Nigerian students. The scheme covers tuition and living expenses, though he noted it does not apply to high-cost private institutions such as Atiku’s own American University of Nigeria in Yola.

“What is undeniable is that under President Tinubu, higher education is now more accessible to deserving youths,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the reforms have brought hardship to many Nigerians, the Presidency assured citizens that relief measures are ongoing and will continue to be strengthened.

Onanuga concluded with a call for more responsible opposition.

“Criticism must be constructive. When Atiku opposes government policies, he should also offer solutions. Nigerians deserve opposition leaders who provide answers—not just complaints,” he said.