Atiku criticises Tinubu’s 2027 “wrestle opponents” remark, urges focus on crises

Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu’s 2027 election remarks, urging him to wrestle with Nigeria’s economic and security failures instead of politica Read More: https://punchng.com/wrestle-with-your-failures-not-opponents-atiku-blasts-tinubu-over-2027-remark/

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent remarks about “wrestling opponents to the finish” ahead of the 2027 elections.In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, on Wednesday, Atiku described Tinubu as “a drowning man” who should focus on fixing Nigeria’s economic and security crises rather than engaging in political bravado.“Mr President, you are a drowning man. Wrestle with your failures, not your opponents,” Atiku declared.He argued that Tinubu’s comments, made while responding to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, reflected desperation and a lack of humility. Atiku urged the president to prioritise tackling inflation, food insecurity, unemployment, and rising insecurity.“Empty slogans cannot fill empty stomachs. Boastful declarations cannot lower food prices. Threats against political opponents cannot restore the value of the naira,” he added.Atiku insisted that Tinubu’s greatest challenge was his own record in office, noting that unpaid workers, struggling businesses, and hungry families were living testimonies of his administration’s shortcomings.He reminded the president that elections are decided by voters, not combative rhetoric: “In 2027, Nigerians will not be stepping into a wrestling arena. They will be stepping into polling units to deliver a constitutional verdict.”The exchange follows Tinubu’s comments to Catholic bishops in Abuja, where he vowed to “wrestle” his opponents in the next election. Atiku’s response adds to ongoing opposition criticism of the government’s handling of the economy and security.