‘Open Your Eyes!’ Presidency Fires Back at Atiku After He Calls Tinubu’s Reforms a Failure

The Presidency has hit back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after he slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening poverty and favoring the rich in its policies.

In a scathing statement marking Tinubu’s two years in office, Atiku accused the government of reckless spending and creating a “class-based system” in healthcare, education, and public services. But the Presidency wasted no time clapping back, insisting that only those “choosing to be blind” would deny the administration’s progress.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed Atiku’s claims as misleading and politically motivated. He argued that Tinubu’s tough but necessary reforms, including scrapping fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates, were saving Nigeria from financial ruin.

“Inflation is slowing, food production is rising, and investments are returning,” Onanuga said. “These gains are clear for anyone willing to see them. Tinubu never promised these reforms would be painless, but they’re vital for Nigeria’s future.”

He pointed out that even Atiku’s own campaign manifesto had proposed similar economic reforms but lacked the courage to implement them.

“Unlike Atiku, many agree these policies have stabilized government finances, reduced corruption, and boosted funding for social programs and infrastructure,” Onanuga added.

Defending Social Investments
Responding to claims that Tinubu’s policies hurt the poor, Onanuga highlighted expanded social welfare programs, aid for low-income families, and a major minimum wage hike, from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, with some states now paying ₦85,000.

On education, he defended the administration’s Student Loan Scheme, which has already helped over 600,000 students cover tuition and living expenses. “Unlike Atiku’s elite American University in Yola, this program ensures underprivileged youths can afford education,” he said.

While acknowledging the reforms’ short-term hardships, Onanuga urged Atiku to move beyond criticism and propose solutions. “Nigerians need opposition leaders who offer answers, not just complaints,” he said. “Otherwise, his words are just cheap political talk.”

The war of words highlights growing tensions as Tinubu’s administration defends its record amid Nigeria’s economic struggles. For now, the message from Aso Rock is clear: love it or hate it, these reforms are here to stay.

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