By Capital Watch Media
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of deepening divisions in Nigeria.
Atiku urged Tinubu to prioritise national unity and democratic values.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku alleged that Nigeria had witnessed increased class, ethnic, and religious divisions since Tinubu assumed office.
He stated that the government had failed to uphold democratic principles and accused it of operating with a “snatch and grab” mentality.
“At a time when Nigeria needs healing and unity, the Tinubu administration is promoting a combative and divisive approach,” Ibe said.
“The government should be working towards strengthening democracy, not undermining it.”
Atiku’s remarks came in response to comments made by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
Dare had posted on social media, suggesting that political leaders advocating for democratic reforms had Machiavellian inclinations.
“The Tinubu administration’s description of opposition figures in such negative terms is a stark attack on democracy,” Ibe stated.
“If democracy is to thrive, then opposing voices must be respected, not vilified.”
Atiku also condemned another post by Dare that referenced economic policies, particularly in relation to the United States.
He criticised the government’s stance on international trade and accused it of lacking a coherent strategy to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
“The careless remarks made by the president’s spokesperson on international trade matters could have serious implications for Nigeria’s relations with global partners,” Ibe warned.
“Such statements should be carefully considered before being made public.”
Highlighting social inequalities, Atiku accused Tinubu’s government of creating further divisions through its economic policies.
“This administration has introduced policies that categorise Nigerians into different classes regarding access to social infrastructure,” he said.
He urged the government to focus on governance that prioritises the well-being of all Nigerians.
“Tinubu’s administration must practice what it preaches by promoting policies that foster national unity rather than division,” Ibe added.
Concluding his statement, Atiku called on the Tinubu government to “unite and heal the nation” while refraining from making statements that could damage Nigeria’s democratic and diplomatic standing.
