The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that he did not lose the 2023 election but rather was the victim of a “criminally stolen” mandate.
In a recent series of statements, Abubakar alleged that the election results, which declared President Bola Tinubu as the winner, did not reflect the true votes cast by Nigerians.
Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, accused Tinubu’s administration of imposing “excruciating pain” on citizens through what he described as “trial-and-error economic policies.”
He argued that the current government has caused unprecedented economic hardship, as it lacks a coherent plan for Nigeria’s recovery.
“The citizens who cast their votes in the 2023 presidential election are well aware that I did not lose; rather, we find ourselves in this predicament because the election was criminally stolen from the Nigerian people,” Atiku stated, emphasizing that the current economic instability is a direct result of the government’s lack of foresight.
In a swift response, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Abubakar’s allegations, stating that the former Vice President’s 2023 presidential bid was “rejected” by Nigerians due to his “lack of detailed ideas.”
Onanuga asserted that Tinubu’s victory was a reflection of the electorate’s preference, while Abubakar’s criticisms lacked substance.
Abubakar’s comments sparked intense discussion on social media and among political analysts, with many reflecting on his previous economic achievements during his tenure as Vice President.
In his response, Atiku outlined what he described as an “inclusive and well-considered” plan that he had crafted for Nigeria’s economic recovery—one he claimed was disregarded by the current administration.
In a tone both critical and satirical, Abubakar questioned the Tinubu administration’s reliance on a national prayer event led by the First Lady and National Security Adviser as a policy response.
“Isn’t it fascinating how the so-called ‘tested’ Tinubu administration’s only policy response seems to be a national prayer led by the First Lady and the NSA? Just a mere 24 hours after I proposed my alternative solutions!” he wrote.
He acknowledged the power of prayer but pointed to a need for diligent work and strategic policies.
Abubakar further criticized Tinubu’s economic measures as being marked by inconsistency and lacking the rigorous, tested approaches his team had proposed.
“What remains unproven is the erratic, trial-and-error nature of the policies so far implemented by this administration, which elucidates our present predicament,” he added.
Recalling his administration with former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, Abubakar highlighted the economic growth Nigeria experienced, claiming a significant rise in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) under their leadership.
He pointed out that during their administration, GDP grew from 6.59% to a high of 15% in 2002.
Contrasting this with Nigeria’s current standing under the Tinubu administration, Atiku lamented the economic decline.
“Let us not forget that under our economic stewardship between 1999 and 2003, Nigeria soared to the pinnacle of Africa’s economies, while their administration has relegated us to a disheartening fourth position,” he asserted.
He criticized what he called a “shambolic ‘bolekaja’ economic policy,” which he claims has led to severe hardship and poor growth prospects.
Drawing comparisons to other countries with low-tax policies such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, Abubakar argued that lower taxes could stimulate economic growth, instead of the current administration’s approach, which he believes burdens citizens with additional hardship.
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