2027: Atiku Fires Back at Tinubu, Says Threats and Insults Cannot Stop His Campaign

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a disaster, insisting that threats and insults would not stop his campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

The former vice president was responding to Tinubu’s criticism of his campaign promises, particularly his proposal to restore a fuel subsidy system.

Atiku accused the President of failing to address the difficulties facing Nigerians, arguing that the administration’s record had exposed the shortcomings of its leadership.

He likened Tinubu’s leadership to a calabash filled with pepper, saying that in Yoruba culture, such a symbol represented a hostile and unfriendly approach to leadership. He contrasted it with a calabash filled with honey, which he said represented a welcoming and hospitable leader.

On fuel subsidy, Atiku rejected Tinubu’s position that Nigeria would not return to subsidised petrol prices.

He said that if elected, he would introduce what he described as a transparent and fair fuel subsidy arrangement linked to domestic refining.

According to him, the proposed system would reduce energy costs and provide direct relief to Nigerians through lower petrol and diesel prices.

Atiku accused the President of attacking his campaign because it offered an alternative to the economic difficulties confronting the country.

He also alleged that there were attempts to remove him from the 2027 ballot, but maintained that Nigerians should be allowed to decide who governs them through the electoral process.

The ADC candidate expressed confidence in his political ambition, declaring that he would remain in the race and expected to secure a decisive victory.

He further criticised Tinubu’s performance, arguing that after three and a half years in office, the President had little to show for his time in power.

Atiku maintained that his Affordable Life campaign would not be discouraged by verbal attacks or alleged threats, promising to pursue policies aimed at restoring economic growth, prosperity and national development.

The exchange comes amid growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general election, with both the ruling APC and opposition figures intensifying their criticisms of one another’s records and policy proposals.