Atiku faults Tinubu’s vacation amid economic hardship, insecurity

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Tinubu for his recent three-week vacation in Europe while Nigeria faces significant economic hardship and insecurity issues. Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after his trip, which includes a stop in London, with the aim of campaigning for the 2027 general election.

Atiku argues that Nigeria is currently experiencing a "disturbing vacuum of political leadership" rather than a constitutional vacuum. He questions the timing of Tinubu's trip, noting that Vice President Kashim Shettima is also abroad on official duty. Atiku emphasizes that leadership involves knowing when one's country needs the President at home.

He lists rising petrol prices, food shortages, increased transport fares, and persistent insecurity as the key challenges facing Nigerians, all of which he believes demand greater attention from the President. Atiku maintains that his criticism is not about opposing presidential vacations or foreign travel, but rather the difference between a private citizen's travels and the responsibilities of the sitting President.

He likens Tinubu's vacation to a father leaving home during a family emergency, stressing that leadership requires recognizing moments when a leader's presence is most needed. Atiku accuses the President of being detached from the hardship faced by Nigerians, suggesting that the country's economic situation requires urgent intervention rather than an extended absence.

He points out that millions of Nigerians are struggling to afford basic transportation while the President continues to travel. Atiku concludes by accusing the administration of failing to appreciate the consequences of its policies on ordinary Nigerians, arguing that a government disconnected from the suffering of its citizens will struggle to address their problems.