Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the current federal administration, describing it as the worst he has witnessed in nearly four decades of active involvement in Nigerian politics.
Atiku made the remarks while responding to the state of the nation, citing what he characterized as widespread economic hardship, declining public trust, and ineffective governance. According to him, successive governments he has observed since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule have faced challenges, but none, he argued, have inflicted such sustained hardship on ordinary citizens.
“This government is the worst I’ve witnessed in nearly four decades in politics,” Atiku said, stressing that Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented levels of poverty, insecurity, and uncertainty about the future.
The former vice president pointed specifically to the rising cost of living, persistent inflation, and unemployment, which he said have eroded the purchasing power of citizens and deepened inequality across the country. He also criticized policy implementation, arguing that economic reforms introduced by the government lack adequate planning and have failed to cushion their impact on vulnerable populations.
Atiku further expressed concern over security challenges nationwide, noting that incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence continue to pose serious threats despite repeated assurances from authorities. He argued that the government’s response has been insufficient and inconsistent, leaving many communities feeling abandoned.
Beyond economic and security issues, the former vice president accused the administration of undermining democratic principles and weakening public institutions. He warned that continued disregard for accountability and transparency could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The federal government has yet to issue an official response to Atiku’s remarks. However, government officials in the past have defended their policies, maintaining that recent reforms are necessary to stabilize the economy and address structural problems inherited from previous administrations. They have also urged Nigerians to be patient, insisting that the benefits of current policies will become evident over time.
Political analysts view Atiku’s comments as part of broader opposition criticism amid growing public debate over governance and economic management. Some observers note that such statements could resonate with citizens frustrated by daily hardships, while others argue they may heighten political tensions ahead of future electoral contests.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic reforms and security concerns, Atiku’s remarks add to mounting pressure on the administration to demonstrate tangible improvements in living conditions and restore public confidence
