The Bridge for Renewed Hope, a leading support group for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has dismissed recent criticisms by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, asserting that the current administration has shown unprecedented commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. In a statement, the group argued that President Tinubu's government is the first since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999 to implement bold, people-focused reforms addressing long-standing structural challenges that previous administrations, including the Obasanjo-Atiku government (1999-2007), failed to confront.
Group's Response to Atiku's Criticism
Hon. Rowland Odih, former Director-General of the Atiku Youth Wing and now Director-General of The Bridge for Renewed Hope, emphasized that President Tinubu's government is the only administration since 1999 to show genuine courage and commitment to prioritizing Nigerians' interests. "Rather than postponing difficult decisions, President Tinubu has chosen to confront them head-on to build a stronger and more sustainable future for our country," he said.
Odih acknowledged that the administration inherited significant economic and security challenges, including heavy government financial liabilities originating from Atiku's time as Vice President and head of Nigeria's privatization programme. Despite this, the Tinubu administration has continued to roll out policies aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening national security, expanding social investment, supporting agriculture, creating jobs, and attracting local and foreign investments.
Reforms and Cushioning Measures
While major reforms often bring temporary difficulties, Odih noted that the administration has consistently introduced intervention programmes to cushion the impact on vulnerable Nigerians, demonstrating that the welfare of citizens remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. This approach, he argued, reflects a commitment to long-term national development rather than short-term political gains.
Reacting to Atiku's comments, Odih contended that Nigerians can clearly distinguish between constructive governance and political rhetoric. "It is easy to criticise from the sidelines, but leadership is about making difficult decisions that secure the long-term future of the nation. President Tinubu has shown that he possesses the courage, vision and determination required to transform Nigeria," he stated.
Urging Support Amid 2027 Election Politics
Odih urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as politically motivated attacks from opposition figures like Atiku, whose concern for Nigerians is driven by personal ambition ahead of the 2027 elections. "The achievements being recorded across critical sectors by President Tinubu speak louder than political propaganda. Nigerians should continue to support President Tinubu as he consolidates the gains of his reforms and delivers on the Renewed Hope Agenda," he added.
He reaffirmed confidence that President Tinubu's performance in office, which he described as overwhelmingly impressive, will remain his strongest campaign asset for the 2027 presidential election. Odih called on political leaders across party lines to place national interest above personal ambition and support Tinubu's efforts aimed at promoting unity, stability, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
