The Presidency has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s warning that Nigeria risks unrest similar to the French Revolution as a result of widespread hunger, describing his remarks as “cheap talk” disconnected from the country’s current economic reality.
In a statement issued on Monday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku’s comments were alarmist and failed to acknowledge the progress made under President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku, who lost to Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, had warned that worsening hunger could spark mass anger reminiscent of the 1789 French Revolution or the 1917 Russian Bolshevik uprising.
But the Presidency countered that key economic indicators tell a more positive story. It highlighted a fifth consecutive monthly drop in headline inflation in August, a record trade surplus with non-oil exports accounting for 48% of total trade, and an increase in foreign reserves to nearly $42 billion—up from $32 billion when Tinubu assumed office. The statement also noted that $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to foreign airlines, had been settled.
According to Onanuga, these gains have allowed states to pay salaries and pensions promptly while still funding capital and social projects.
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is recording unprecedented revenues. Nigeria is moving in the right direction,” the statement read.
The Presidency further accused Atiku and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of ignoring these achievements and focusing on “doomsday scenarios” despite having contributed to the nation’s current challenges during their time in power.
“Many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President,” it added, stressing that Tinubu’s reforms—such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—are aimed at stabilising state finances and attracting investment.
While officials insist these policies are laying the groundwork for growth, critics argue they have worsened hardship, with food inflation and poverty still biting.
Onanuga concluded, “We are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.”
