The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a government committed to building “a nation of our collective dream.”
The party’s appeal came in reaction to a statement issued by former Nigerian Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku had decried what he described as worsening hunger and insecurity in the country, comparing Nigeria’s current situation to conditions that triggered historic revolutions in France, Russia, and during the Arab Spring.
The APC swiftly condemned the remarks, warning that such rhetoric could incite unrest and undermine the nation’s stability.
In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, the party described Atiku’s comments as “reckless and degrading” to his status as a former vice president.
“While garbed as a critique of President Tinubu’s economic policies, Atiku’s statement is nothing short of tacit instigation of a revolution in Nigeria,” Mr Morka said.
He says, “It is self-serving, anti-democratic, and a threat to the peace, unity, and progress of our country.”
Mr Morka criticised Atiku and the PDP for allegedly squandering opportunities to address hunger, poverty, and insecurity during their 16 years in power.
“Backed by massive oil revenues, Atiku and his PDP had every opportunity to transform Nigeria, but instead democratised hunger and institutionalised corruption. They failed, looted, and left a legacy of suffering that President Tinubu is now courageously tackling,” Mr Morka stated.
He also referenced past allegations, including the controversial $16 billion power sector expenditure under the Obasanjo-Atiku administration, claiming it symbolised Atiku’s failed leadership record.
“As Vice President, Atiku was clueless. As a serial presidential aspirant, he remains equally clueless. His record of failure is the very reason Nigerians have repeatedly rejected him,” the APC spokesman said.
The party also accused Atiku of being disconnected from the current economic reality, noting recent gains in inflation reduction and other key indicators under Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Atiku’s statement came on a day when economic indicators were pointing in a positive direction. His comments show just how out of touch he is with the real progress being made,” Mr Morka noted.
While acknowledging the democratic right to criticise government policies, the APC warned that calls or comments that could be interpreted as inciting violence cross the line into dangerous territory.
“Instigating anarchy is not legitimate opposition politics. It is irresponsible, unpatriotic, and unacceptable. Atiku must learn that his duty to Nigeria outweighs his political ambitions,” Mr Morka said.
He urged Nigerians to see through what the APC described as Atiku’s desperate attempts to remain politically relevant and instead continue to support the Tinubu administration in its effort to deliver economic recovery and national development.