Two years into President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, Nigeria’s opposition is rallying under a new coalition spearheaded by Atiku Abubakar. In a scathing critique, the former Vice President accused the government of deepening poverty, fiscal recklessness, and “democratic backsliding” — framing 2027 as a battle for Nigeria’s soul.
- Atiku brands Tinubu’s administration as “incompetent” and “disconnected,” citing a 150% surge in national debt (N49tn to N144tn) and Nigeria’s slide to 18th on the Global Hunger Index.
- Policy backlash: Opposition slams fee hikes (NIMC, universities) as “class warfare,” alleging VIP privileges for elites amid mass suffering.
- Coalition alert: Atiku announces united front to “rescue Nigeria,” warning against one-party dominance and “authoritarian tendencies.”
- Economic alarms: Child malnutrition now surpasses Sudan’s; subsidy removal fallout fuels accusations of “reckless” economic management.
The opposition’s escalating rhetoric signals a strategic shift from criticism to mobilization, with Atiku framing Tinubu’s policies as existential threats to equity and democracy.
For Nigerians grappling with inflation and vanishing safety nets, the coalition’s credibility hinges on unity — a challenge given past rivalries.
Can a fragmented opposition overcome its internal divisions to present a viable alternative, or will Tinubu’s reforms outpace their critiques?
