APC, Atiku trade tackles over economic policies
September 6, 2026 4:33 am
FILE: Atiku Abubakar
The All Progressives Congress has tackled the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, over his continuous criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, especially its economic policies.
APC described Atiku as a politician who had been rejected and was making political statements devoid of reality to warm himself into the people’s hearts.
The party said Tinubu’s administration had brought succour against the hardship that the Peoples Democratic Party, of which Atiku was once a leader, brought into the country.
This comes after Atiku vowed to mobilise Nigerians against what he described as the failed policies of the current administration.
Atiku, speaking through his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, in an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, declared that his policy blueprint was undergoing reviews and would address poverty, insecurity and other aspects.
He stated, “Atiku is reviewing his policies, not just on subsidy, but also on education, energy in general, state police and other issues. He is taking a look at the economy, insecurity and other aspects where this APC-led Federal Government has failed. This is to ensure that he is properly prepared.”
“As I have said, this election is a referendum on the failed policies and failures of the Tinubu government to protect and secure the lives and property of Nigerians and take care of their welfare. These are the primary responsibilities of government.
“Atiku is a man of the people and will use the ADC to mobilise Nigerians against the Tinubu administration. His message will therefore be taken to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.”
But the APC defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, saying they would ultimately benefit Nigerians.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the APC Director Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, maintained that the current administration’s policies were far ahead of those being proposed by Atiku.
He said APC, as a party, had already gained the confidence and acceptance of Nigerians, stating that the citizens wouldn’t risk leaving the known for the unknown.
“Atiku can propose very mouth-watering offers to Nigerians, but Nigerians should know better. They know that that which has been done, that which has been sown and fertilised, and is already beginning to yield good fruit, cannot be jettisoned for that which has not been tested,” Ibrahim said.
He said Atiku was not being sincere in his projections, saying, “These are political statements. They are just policies or statements that are made on the podium in order to entice or appease, make offers that cannot be fulfilled to Nigerians. Nigeria is not made up of people who are fools. Nigeria is made up of intelligent people, who have values, and they know the difference between the good and the bad.
“Atiku is not coming from hell or another universe. He is actually a Nigerian who has tested political office. He has done what he did, and Nigerians said no. The rejection given to Atiku when in PDP is a rejection that was based on the hardship they had ushered into the country. The APC has come with succour, the kind of succour people want. It has introduced reforms.”
Abdulrahman is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with nearly a decade of professional experience covering political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Governors Forum. He is also a development and strategic communication expert, skilled at analyzing complex issues and delivering impactful narratives. Abdulrahman’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to informative and insightful journalism.
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