Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to concentrate on solving the country’s pressing challenges rather than engaging political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the President’s major challenge was not the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party, but the performance of his administration.
The former vice president was reacting to Tinubu’s recent comment during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the President said he was ready to “wrestle” his opponents in the forthcoming election.
Atiku described the remark as an attempt to divert attention from critical national issues, including economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment affecting millions of Nigerians.
He advised the President to focus on reducing inflation, tackling hunger, strengthening security, stabilising the naira and rebuilding public confidence in government.
“He should wrestle with millions of Nigerians who now skip meals because food has become a luxury. He should wrestle with the insecurity that has turned farming communities into graveyards and highways into hunting grounds for criminals,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president also criticised the rising unemployment rate and economic difficulties, saying many Nigerians were still struggling with the impact of government policies.
Atiku stressed that democracy was based on accountability and performance, noting that leaders earn public support through effective governance and tangible achievements.
He added that Nigerians would not be entering a wrestling arena during the 2027 elections but would instead visit polling units to evaluate the records of political leaders.
“The Nigerian people are not looking for a wrestler. They are looking for a leader. History will not remember who shouted the loudest; it will remember who governed the best,” he said.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.