Nigeria’s economic and security challenges have returned to the centre of political debate after former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise governance over political rhetoric. In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku said the administration should devote more attention to addressing inflation, insecurity and unemployment as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.

The former vice president was reacting to President Tinubu’s recent remarks in Abuja, where the President reportedly said he was prepared to “wrestle” his political opponents to the finish during the next election cycle. The comments were made during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, who had appealed for credible, transparent and peaceful elections.

According to Atiku’s statement, issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the President’s response missed an opportunity to reassure Nigerians and demonstrate statesmanship. He argued that the occasion called for a stronger focus on governance and national concerns rather than combative political language.

Atiku maintained that the country’s rising cost of living, food inflation, unemployment and persistent insecurity should command greater attention from the Federal Government. He said millions of Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship and urged the administration to channel its efforts toward improving living conditions and restoring public confidence in the economy.

The former vice president also contended that the government’s performance would remain the key issue in future political contests. According to him, democratic elections are ultimately determined by voters’ assessment of leadership, adding that governance, accountability and measurable results would carry greater weight than political declarations.

The latest exchange adds to a series of public disagreements between the opposition and the Presidency over the direction of the country. While Atiku has repeatedly criticised the administration’s handling of the economy and security, the Presidency has consistently defended its policy reforms, maintaining that they are necessary measures designed to produce long-term national benefits.

With preparations for the 2027 general election gradually gathering momentum, political rhetoric is becoming more pronounced across party lines. Even so, the recurring exchanges continue to revolve around issues many Nigerians consider critical, including economic recovery, public safety and electoral credibility, as both the government and opposition seek to shape public opinion ahead of the next nationwide poll.