Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing 2025 as one of the most difficult years for Nigerians and urging citizens to prepare to “peacefully change” the government through the ballot in 2027.
Atiku made the remarks in his New Year message to Nigerians, released on Wednesday, where he accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of economic mismanagement, weakening democratic institutions and failing to curb insecurity.
He said millions of Nigerians endured economic hardship in 2025, alleging that the government relied on borrowing, lacked empathy and struggled to operate without a functional budget for months.
He also referenced the controversy surrounding alleged forgery of a tax law, saying such actions undermined public trust.
“A government that begins reform with forgery cannot end with prosperity,” he said.
The former vice-president further criticised what he described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a “de facto one-party state,” claiming opposition voices were being targeted while insecurity, unemployment and business shutdowns increased across the country.
According to him, the resilience of Nigerians — not government policies — kept the nation from collapse.
Atiku urged citizens not to lose hope, calling on Nigerians to unite across ethnic and religious lines, participate in civic engagement and defend their votes when the 2027 elections come.
He also accused the federal government of using anti-corruption institutions selectively, arguing that the fight against corruption must be impartial to succeed.
“Democracy gives the people the power to change a failing government — peacefully and decisively — through the ballot,” he said, adding that 2026 should be used to “prepare the ground” for political change.
Atiku concluded by calling for unity, mobilisation and renewed commitment to democratic values.
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