The Presidency has rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s warning that Nigeria could face unrest similar to the French Revolution due to widespread hunger, calling his remarks “cheap talk” and out of touch with the nation’s economic progress
In a statement released on Monday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku’s comments were unnecessarily alarmist and ignored the significant gains recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku, who contested against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, had warned that rising hunger might trigger mass anger reminiscent of the 1789 French Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
The Presidency countered by citing improved economic indicators, including a fifth consecutive monthly drop in headline inflation in August, a record trade surplus where non-oil exports accounted for 48% of total trade, and foreign reserves rising to nearly $42 billion—up from $32 billion when Tinubu assumed office. It also highlighted the settlement of $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to foreign airlines.
Onanuga noted that these gains have enabled states to pay salaries and pensions on time while still funding capital and social projects.
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is recording unprecedented revenues. Nigeria is moving in the right direction,” he stated.
The Presidency accused Atiku and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of focusing on “doomsday narratives” while ignoring the progress being made.
“Many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President,” the statement said, stressing that Tinubu’s reforms—such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—are designed to stabilise state finances and attract foreign investment.
While critics argue that these reforms have worsened hardship by driving up food prices and deepening poverty, the Presidency maintains they are laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
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.”
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