By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Thursday, October 22, 2026
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of contributing to Nigeria’s economic challenges, saying President Bola Tinubu is working to address the problems inherited from previous administrations.
Basiru made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today: Conversation with APC National Secretary – The Renewed Hope Scorecard, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.
The APC National Secretary was responding to questions about the Tinubu administration’s achievements and the message it would present to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in comparison with opposition figures, including Atiku, Peter Obi and Adewole Adebayo, who have promised more efficient and cost-effective governance.
Basiru dismissed some of the opposition’s campaign promises as unrealistic, accusing politicians of making claims they could not fulfil in a bid to secure votes.
Citing the words of African liberation leader Amílcar Cabral, he said politicians should be truthful to Nigerians rather than make promises that cannot be delivered.
“You must not lie to the people because you want to get their vote. You must not say something that is even unrealistic,” Basiru said.
He specifically questioned Atiku’s economic management credentials, arguing that the former vice president’s previous political position did not automatically make him an expert in economic affairs.
Basiru also criticised Atiku’s professional background, referring to his training as a hygiene expert and his former career in the Nigeria Customs Service, while challenging him to demonstrate the expertise required to manage the economy.
The APC national secretary further described Atiku as an opposition figure whose political prospects would be tested in the 2027 elections.
Drawing a comparison with former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Basiru said he agreed with Vice President Kashim Shettima’s earlier description of Atiku, expressing confidence that Nigerians would reject the former vice president at the polls.
Basiru also blamed Atiku for some of the economic difficulties the Tinubu administration is attempting to resolve, citing the privatisation of key industrial assets during the administration in which Atiku served as vice president.
He specifically mentioned the Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill and the Nigeria Machine Tools facility, alleging that they were sold at prices far below their worth.
According to him, the facilities were important to Nigeria’s industrial development and could have contributed to building a stronger manufacturing base.
“If there are challenges that are being addressed by President Bola Tinubu, one of the major people that caused those challenges is Atiku Abubakar,” Basiru said.
The APC chieftain also defended Tinubu against opposition criticisms concerning the President’s physical fitness and ability to campaign nationwide ahead of the 2027 elections.
Basiru maintained that the President was physically capable of governing the country, directing government affairs and participating in political activities.
He said his close working relationship with Tinubu had given him the opportunity to observe the President’s energy, alertness and capacity to handle official responsibilities, including during late-night and early-morning engagements.
Basiru described Tinubu as agile and articulate, insisting that concerns about the President’s fitness were unfounded.
The comments come as political parties and their prospective candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with economic management, governance, industrial development and the performance of the current administration expected to feature prominently in political debates.
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