Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, accusing the administration of worsening poverty and economic hardship across Nigeria.

Atiku made the remarks in a statement published on Thursday, October 1, 2026, where he questioned the economic direction of the country under the APC government.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain argued that the administration’s economic policies had placed additional pressure on households and businesses, making it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to meet their basic needs.

He maintained that government claims of economic progress should be measured against the living conditions of ordinary citizens rather than financial and economic statistics alone.

Atiku Questions Government’s Economic Performance

The former vice president has repeatedly criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms.

In previous remarks, Atiku argued that rising petrol prices had increased transportation, production and food costs, leaving households with reduced purchasing power. He also called on President Bola Tinubu to consider measures that would ease the cost-of-living burden. (Channels Television)

He has also challenged the administration’s reliance on macroeconomic indicators to demonstrate progress, insisting that economic reforms should translate into improved living standards for Nigerians. (The Guardian)

Atiku’s latest criticism comes as political parties and their candidates continue preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the economy expected to remain a major issue in political discussions.

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has said the outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by Nigerian voters rather than wealthy individuals or the amount of money spent on campaigns.

Makinde made the statement on Monday at the APM North-Central Zonal Town Hall Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as part of the party’s engagements ahead of the 2027 election.

The Oyo State governor, who is campaigning under the “Reset Nigeria” agenda, said he did not believe the election would be decided by political commentators, opinion polls, the number of billionaires supporting candidates or the financial resources available to political campaigns.

According to him, the people of Nigeria would ultimately determine who emerges from the election.

Makinde also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, arguing that increased allocations to states had not necessarily translated into reduced hardship for citizens.

He acknowledged that states were receiving more money from the Federation Account but questioned whether the additional funds had resulted in meaningful progress in addressing hunger and other economic challenges.

The governor also spoke about Nigeria’s security situation, questioning the budgetary planning behind the establishment of additional army divisions. He said he had examined the 2026 budget for provisions relating to the new formations but could not identify the funding he expected for them.

Makinde outlines ‘Reset Nigeria’ agenda

The APM presidential candidate said his proposed “Reset Nigeria” programme would focus on four major areas: security, education, the economy and the country’s socio-political environment.

He said the programme could be implemented within four years if he becomes president, including changes to Nigeria’s security architecture and greater use of data and science in economic management.

Makinde further said his administration would commence a transition to a government of national unity from May 29, 2027, which he said would eventually lead to what he described as “new players and a new agenda” for Nigeria’s development.

The Lafia meeting formed part of the APM’s zonal consultations and political engagements ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, assuring citizens that Nigeria is on the right path toward economic recovery, peace and sustainable development.

Tinubu made the remarks on Friday, September 25, 2026, during a special Juma’at prayer service at the National Mosque in Abuja, organised as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. The President was represented at the event by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

According to Tinubu, his administration is addressing what he described as the “cumulative mistakes and missed opportunities” of previous governments. He said Nigerians had already endured the necessary sacrifices and that there was now “light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Nigerians have finished making sacrifices for this country to be great again.”

He further assured citizens that “peace is coming back to this country” and “development is coming back to this country,” adding that things would get better as Nigeria progresses in its democracy.

Tinubu also called for continued support for his administration, saying Nigerians should give the government more opportunity to complete the reforms and programmes it has begun.

Bola Tinubu’s remarks come as Nigerians prepare to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with economic hardship, security and the effects of ongoing reforms remaining major issues in the national conversation.