Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a United Nations warning that nearly 35 million Nigerians could face acute hunger between June and August 2026. Atiku described the UN projection as a devastating global verdict on the catastrophic failure of the Tinubu administration.
Atiku Labels Situation a Man-Made Humanitarian Emergency
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the warning should not be treated as mere embarrassment but as a five-alarm national emergency. He demanded that the Federal Government immediately declare a food security emergency and move beyond tokenism.
Atiku emphasized that this is not a famine caused by drought, war, or natural disaster. 'This is man-made suffering. This is the consequence of economic illiteracy, policy recklessness, and leadership failure,' he stated.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain asserted that Tinubu has turned Nigeria from Africa's economic giant into a hunger hotspot. He called for experienced, disciplined, compassionate, and competent leadership capable of rescuing the country from one of the gravest governance failures in its democratic history.
Presidency Dismisses Hunger Figures as Exaggerated
In response, the presidency rejected claims that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse. Presidential aide Sunday Dare described the hunger figures as exaggerated and misleading, noting that the 33 million figure is merely a projection from the Cadre Harmonisé report, not a confirmed crisis. Dare pointed to grain releases, agricultural programs, and cash transfers as evidence that the government is actively addressing economic challenges.
Atiku Also Criticizes Tinubu’s Loan Plans and Xenophobia Response
Atiku had previously criticized Tinubu’s administration for excessive borrowing, warning that a potential $1.25 billion loan could worsen Nigeria's growing debt burden. He demanded transparency on loan terms and project outcomes.
Additionally, Atiku condemned Tinubu's sluggish response to xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, contrasting it with Ghana's decisive action. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prioritize urgency in protecting citizens abroad.
