Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to divert attention from the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration amid growing public concerns over the economy and security situation.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the remarks while responding to allegations by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, who accused Atiku and the ADC of attempting to undermine the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that the challenges facing Nigerians under the current administration were evident across the country.
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The ADC candidate also questioned the APC’s explanation that a security vehicle positioned near one of its campaign billboards in Kaduna was part of a routine patrol. He argued that the presence of security personnel around the billboard raised questions that the ruling party needed to address.
Atiku accused Alake of making serious allegations without presenting evidence to support claims that the opposition was involved in spreading fabricated videos or manipulating information about the rally.
He challenged the APC spokesman to provide verifiable details, including names, dates and forensic evidence, to substantiate the accusations against the opposition.
According to Atiku, the ruling party was attempting to shift public attention away from its record in government rather than address the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
He cited the rising prices of petrol and diesel, persistent food inflation and widespread poverty as examples of the difficulties citizens continue to experience. He also referenced World Bank estimates of poverty in Nigeria, as reported by Reuters, to argue that the administration’s economic policies had placed significant pressure on households.
Atiku maintained that the economic situation could not be dismissed as misinformation, arguing that Nigerians experience the effects of rising living costs in their daily lives.
The former vice president also criticised the treatment of supporters who reportedly travelled long distances to attend the APC rally in Kaduna.
He said reports that some supporters were transported from distant states and left sleeping in the streets raised concerns about how the ruling party organised its campaign activities.
Atiku further referred to reports of road accidents involving APC supporters travelling from Sokoto and Abuja to attend the event.
He argued that transporting supporters over long distances, exposing them to difficult journeys and leaving some without adequate accommodation was inconsistent with responsible political leadership.
The ADC candidate accused the APC of prioritising the appearance of large crowds at campaign events over the welfare and safety of the people attending them.
Atiku also questioned Tinubu’s reported campaign schedule across 12 states, suggesting that the movement of supporters between rallies could create an impression of broader public backing than actually existed.
He argued that the size of a rally crowd should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of widespread popular support, adding that political acceptance could not be manufactured through organised transportation, billboards or publicity campaigns.
According to him, Nigerians were increasingly concerned about high food prices, rising transportation costs, declining purchasing power and what he described as unfulfilled promises by the ruling party.
Atiku further argued that the APC’s criticism of the opposition would do little to address the financial difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
He insisted that the ruling party should focus on explaining its performance in government instead of trading accusations with political opponents.
The ADC presidential candidate concluded by expressing confidence that voters would hold the APC accountable at the polls, arguing that public dissatisfaction with the administration’s record could not be overcome through political statements or campaign activities.
