morganabLE politics/elections
Atiku accused the APC of reversing gains recorded during the democratic era between 1999 and 2007, insisting that Nigeria had fallen from its position as Africa’s leading economy to a lower ranking due to what he described as poor economic management
KaNo —
The war of words between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria’s ruling All Progressive Congress(APC)intensified on Thursday, deepening political fault lines ahead of the 2027 general elections as both sides clashed over the country’s economic trajectory and issues of integrity.
The latest exchange followed remarks by Atiku, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress,who accused the APC-led administration of plunging Nigeria into economic decline, while the ruling party countered with allegations questioning his credibility and fitness for office.
Atiku, who spoke in Akure, Ondo State, during a reception for former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, said Nigeria’s economic fortunes had deteriorated significantly under the APC, urging voters to reject the ruling party in the next election cycle.
Addressing a large gathering of party supporters, the former vice president described the event as a welcome rally rather than a campaign outing but used the opportunity to outline early signals of his party’s policy direction.
“This is not a campaign rally; this is a welcome rally. We are going to come back for a campaign rally where we will tell Nigerians what the ADC is going to do for their future and the next generation,” he said.
Atiku accused the APC of reversing gains recorded during the democratic era between 1999 and 2007, insisting that Nigeria had fallen from its position as Africa’s leading economy to a lower ranking due to what he described as poor economic management.
“You know what we did between 1999 and 2007; we took Nigeria to the best economy in Africa. Today, we are number five. The APC is responsible for taking us down. The best thing for us is to vote them out,” he stated.
The ADC candidate also hinted at key policy proposals, including the possible return of fuel subsidy and a renewed focus on national security.
“We have started releasing teasers. We are committed to returning subsidy. Secondly, we are committed to returning security all over this country. No part of Nigeria will feel insecure anymore,” he added.
He further urged supporters to emulate voter mobilisation efforts seen in recent elections, citing the Osun governorship poll as an example of effective voter turnout and vote protection.
“There is this popular saying now: APC must go. Tinubu must go. We saw massive turnout and protection of votes in Osun. That is what must happen here,” Atiku said.
In his remarks, ADC National Chairman David Mark,represented by the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola,called on Nigerians to rally behind the party’s candidates.
Aregbesola urged supporters to begin grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections, stressing the importance of sustained campaigning and voter engagement.
“I want to appeal to you to vote APC out and protect your votes in the coming general election. You must go out and campaign from now until the elections,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal appealed to northern supporters in Hausa, encouraging unity and commitment to the ADC’s electoral success.
Jegede, whose defection triggered the rally, expressed confidence in the ADC’s chances in Ondo State and beyond, citing widespread hardship and unemployment as key factors that would influence voter decisions.
“There is unemployment in Nigeria; there is hardship and suffering. The journey has begun. We want a democratic government, and we are confident of winning the presidential, National Assembly and state elections,” he said.
However, the APC swiftly responded, dismissing Atiku’s criticisms and launching a counterattack focused on allegations of corruption and financial impropriety.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka,the party argued that Atiku’s past controversies disqualified him from seeking the presidency again.
Morka cited several cases, including issues linked to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, the Siemens bribery scandal, the William Jefferson case, and investigations by United States authorities into financial transactions allegedly involving Atiku and his former wife.
According to the APC spokesman, these matters were not mere allegations but had been documented in official records, court proceedings and legislative investigations both in Nigeria and abroad.
“The media and public discourse have been awash with damning reports of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s alleged dealings in local and international bribery and corruption schemes,” the statement read.
“Ghosts of his sordid past continue to haunt and warn that Atiku must never again be allowed anywhere near such a commanding position of trust as the presidency.”
The APC further argued that Atiku’s record in public office reflected what it described as some of Nigeria’s worst episodes of corruption and cronyism, which it claimed contributed to economic decline and weakened public trust in governance.
“Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election presents the electorate with an opportunity to deal a final blow to Atiku’s desperate quest for power and save the country from his alleged plunder,” the party added.
The ruling party also referenced findings from an arbitration process at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, which reportedly examined a payment made in 2003 by a promoter of Sunrise Power to Atiku’s then wife, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the Mambilla project.
It maintained that such controversies raised serious concerns about accountability and transparency, insisting that Nigerians should consider these issues when making electoral choices.
Despite the APC’s claims, Atiku has consistently denied wrongdoing in past allegations and has, in previous statements, maintained that no court of competent jurisdiction has convicted him of corruption.
The exchange underscores the increasingly heated political atmosphere as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts say the debate over economic reforms, governance performance and integrity of candidates is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming months.
While Atiku’s camp is focusing on economic hardship, insecurity and policy alternatives, the APC appears determined to centre its campaign narrative on credibility, past records and questions of trust.
