Atiku fires back at Tinubu over education investment, recalls US forfeiture case

Former Vice President and presidential contender Atiku Abubakar has rebuked President Bola Tinubu over comments regarding his education sector investments, referencing a 1993 US forfeiture case concerning the Nigerian politician. Atiku's statement, released by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, accused Tinubu of trying to divert public focus from the economic problems affecting Nigerians during his administration.

The confrontation followed Tinubu's question about Atiku's establishment of an educational institution during his time as Vice President. Atiku responded by stating that his education investments started prior to his political career, explaining that he initiated the ABTI Academy foundation in 1993. He claimed, "The answer is simple: my investment in education predates my time in public service.

In 1993, while a U.S. court ordered the seizure of funds in an account under your name, labeled as proceeds from narcotics trafficking or unlawful financial dealings, I was establishing the ABTI Academy." The former Vice President added that the academy subsequently transformed into the American University of Nigeria, emphasizing the transparency of his business dealings and his transition into public service.

Atiku also criticized the Tinubu government for exacerbating poverty, joblessness, insecurity, and the increasing cost of living. He questioned the trajectory of the nation under the present administration, alleging that Nigerians were being pushed deeper into poverty, debt, and economic instability. The ADC leader further criticized the government's handling of hunger, alluding to a recent statement attributed to APC campaign Director-General Abdulaziz Yari, who described hungry Nigerians as lazy.

"You created poverty, then insult the people suffering from it," Atiku remarked. On fuel subsidies, Atiku pledged to introduce a transparent, production-based system linked to domestic refining if elected president in 2027, asserting that the policy would help lower energy expenses. He further affirmed that his "Affordable Life" campaign would continue despite what he described as assaults from the ruling party.

"I will be on that ballot, and I will decisively defeat you," he declared. Atiku maintained that Nigerians had encountered Tinubu's leadership and would assess his administration based on its performance before the 2027 presidential election.