Atiku demands apology to Onaiyekan, rejects Tinubu’s economic claims

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for its intolerance towards dissent and the use of statistical manipulation to cover up Nigeria's worsening economic situation. He also demanded an apology to Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, for the criticism of the cleric over his remarks on the state of the nation.

Atiku accused the Presidency of resorting to intimidation, ridicule, and political attacks instead of addressing the concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. He emphasized that the Catholic Church is one of Nigeria’s enduring moral voices and that its leaders have consistently spoken in defense of the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed.

Atiku defended Cardinal Onaiyekan’s decision to give an interview following his meeting with the President, stating that the cleric sought to place the facts on record. He also criticized the government's intolerance of independent voices and warned that democracy cannot flourish in such an environment. Atiku urged the Presidency to apologize to Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Church, and the millions of Catholic faithful across the country.