Atiku Abubakar Condemns Tinubu Administration's Handling of OPL 245 Dispute
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique against the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government, accusing it of disseminating propaganda regarding the resolution of the OPL 245 oil block dispute. In a statement released on Sunday, March 22, 2026, Atiku described recent official claims of a "final resolution" as misleading and deceptive, highlighting that legal proceedings remain active in Nigerian courts.
Ongoing Legal Battles Undermine Government's Assertions
Atiku emphasized that the OPL 245 dispute is far from settled, with cases still pending before both the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court. He pointed to a pre-action notice issued by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited through its counsel, Chief R.O. Atabo (SAN), which directly challenges the narrative presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi. This legal move, according to Atiku, demonstrates that the matter continues to be a subject of intense judicial scrutiny.
The former vice president expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency in the process, noting that Malabu, as a principal stakeholder with longstanding legal and equitable interests in OPL 245, was neither consulted nor involved in any purported negotiation or settlement discussions. He argued that sidelining such a key player while litigation is ongoing raises serious questions about due process and governance integrity.
Alarm Over Potential Sale of National Assets
In addition to the OPL 245 issue, Atiku raised a fresh alarm about an alleged plan to sell approximately 30 percent of Nigeria's Joint Venture assets under NNPC Limited. He described these assets as strategic national holdings that form the backbone of Nigeria's revenue architecture, warning that any disposal without full transparency, competitive valuation, and public accountability would amount to the quiet auctioning of Nigeria's future.
"We are alarmed by credible reports suggesting a planned sale of up to 30 percent of Nigeria's Joint Venture assets under NNPC Limited. These assets are not mere commercial instruments; they are strategic national holdings—the backbone of Nigeria's revenue architecture. Any attempt to dispose of them without full transparency, competitive valuation, and public accountability would amount to the quiet auctioning of Nigeria's future," Atiku stated in his release.
Broader Critique of Tinubu's Governance Style
Atiku framed these developments as part of a broader pattern under Tinubu's administration, accusing the government of prioritizing optics over substance. He suggested that this approach undermines public trust and could have long-term detrimental effects on Nigeria's economic and legal systems. The criticism comes amid ongoing political tensions, with Atiku also reflecting on his past political decisions, including expressing regret over his role in forming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 elections.
The former vice president called for careful planning in any new political coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need for governance that addresses current national challenges, which he argued have exceeded the concerns that led to the 2014 merger. This statement adds to Atiku's long history of political engagement and multiple presidential bids, positioning him as a vocal opposition figure in Nigeria's political landscape.
