ABUJA, Nigeria Prominent political figures Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi have accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of “weaponising poverty” through what they described as failed and exploitative economic policies.
The trio made the statement during a public lecture held in Abuja to celebrate Rotimi Amaechi’s 60th birthday, where they united in their criticism of the current government’s handling of the economy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stated that the current leadership is “weaponising poverty,” suggesting that the economic hardship faced by Nigerians is being used as a tool for control.
“This particular government is weaponising poverty, and that is why we are in this alliance—to make sure we don’t allow them to continue,” Atiku said.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai echoed the sentiment, describing the present state of Nigeria as its most difficult phase since 1914.
“We are working together to be a coalition to take Nigeria back,” he added.
The celebrant, Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, also took a swipe at Tinubu’s flagship reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, arguing that the gains of the policies have only enriched a few people in government.
“At a point, we were paying ₦4 trillion to ₦5 trillion for fuel subsidy. We stopped it, but where is the money now? If they put that money into the economy, Nigerians won’t be crying,” Amaechi remarked.
“We want to submit to the opposition, if they can lead us out of this crisis.”
Political Realignments Ahead of 2027
The remarks come amid rising political tension and coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts observe a shift, with opposition leaders exploring inter-party alliances to present a formidable front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai, and others have recently formed a coalition aimed at unseating President Tinubu* in 2027. The group is banking on their combined voter strength from the 2023 election, where Atiku and Obi garnered over 12 million votes, surpassing Tinubu’s tally by more than 4 million.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has emerged as a potential vehicle for the coalition amid internal wrangling within the PDP, Labour Party, and the APC.
