2027 Will Be Tinubu’s Referendum – Atiku Hits Back at APC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 general elections will serve as a defining referendum on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to focus on governance rather than political distractions.

Atiku made this assertion through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Monday night, in response to allegations by the APC accusing him of attempting to reposition the opposition for personal gain and to regain access to state resources.

In a strongly worded rebuttal, Ibe dismissed the ruling party’s claims, stating that Atiku’s political engagements are rooted in Nigerians’ desire for accountable leadership and improved living conditions.

“It’s clear these people were never prepared for governance. All they know is politics and propaganda. They’ve abandoned development and contradicted every democratic principle they claim to uphold,” Ibe said.

He cited the Tinubu administration’s inefficiency as a clear indicator of failed leadership, referencing the celebration of the completion of only 30 kilometres out of a 700-kilometre road project over two years.

“They rolled out the drums to celebrate just 4% of a road project. That’s not progress—it’s an insult. The money spent on that event could’ve built several more kilometres,” he added.

Ibe further criticized the state of the nation under the current government, noting worsening poverty, surging child malnutrition, and economic stagnation, which he said have left Nigeria as the “poverty capital of the world.”

He also defended Atiku’s integrity and financial independence, contrasting his track record with that of his critics.

“Long before 1999, Atiku had already built successful multi-million-dollar businesses, created jobs, and funded his political campaigns from his own resources. He’s not desperate for state funds—unlike some of his detractors,” Ibe said.

He urged the APC to focus on delivering good governance instead of obsessing over Atiku’s political moves, stressing that 2027 will be a moment of truth.

“The next election won’t just be about Atiku—it will be between Tinubu and the rest of Nigeria,” Ibe concluded.