Atiku Abubakar Criticizes Tinubu Economic Policies Over Import Reliance

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress and former Vice President, criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic strategies, stating that Nigeria cannot borrow, import, or tax its way to prosperity. In a statement issued through spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that current policies prioritize consumption and importation over domestic production, which he claims has driven inflation and economic hardship.

Atiku cited specific economic data to support his critique, noting that national food inflation reached 17.52%, with higher peaks in Niger and Kogi states. He also highlighted that Nigerian manufacturers spent N3.53 trillion on raw material imports over a six-month period. He asserted that the country is exporting jobs and importing inflation while weakening the naira.

To counter these trends, Atiku pledged that an African Democratic Congress administration would focus on agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and solid minerals. He pointed to the market-oriented reforms of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration as a viable model for attracting private investment and stimulating economic growth.