Atiku Abubakar outlined 6 strategies for Tinubu's 2nd year, including policy reviews, small business support and security overhaul, claiming Tinubu's 1st year policies failed.
As President Bola Tinubu marked one year in office, his main rival in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, offered pointed advice, outlining six key economic and policy strategies he claims Tinubu must urgently pursue to make his administration a success.
In a statement Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate accused Tinubu's policies of creating a "hostile environment" for businesses and the manufacturing sector. He cited rising costs, currency pressures, and a lack of clarity around issues like fuel subsidies as major economic drags.
"The manufacturing sector, which holds the key to higher incomes, jobs, and economic growth, has been bogged down by rising input prices, higher energy and borrowing costs, and exchange rate complexities," Atiku said.
The former vice president's recommended "rescue strategies" included taking a pause for comprehensive review of policies and the 2024 budget, which he claimed is ill-equipped to address structural economic defects. He also urged an overhaul of social safety net programs and support for small and medium enterprises.
Atiku further cautioned Tinubu against new taxes or increases that could "further pauperise the poor." On fuel subsidies, he demanded more transparency around import volumes, costs and the fiscal impact.
Lastly, Atiku insisted Tinubu must urgently "rejig the nation's security architecture," blaming the current setup for adversely impacting agriculture, especially in the north.
While framed as advice, Atiku's critique amounted to a sweeping rebuke of Tinubu's first year performance. Apc supporters saw the intervention as an attempt by Atiku to position himself as an alternative for disillusioned voters ahead of 2027.
