By Taiwo Scholarstica
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his recent remarks about wrestling political opponents, urging him to focus instead on the country’s economic and security challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that the President should prioritize addressing the critical issues affecting Nigerians rather than engaging in partisan political exchanges.
The former Vice President was reacting to Tinubu’s recent declaration that he was ready to wrestle his opponents to the finish.
Atiku described the statement as a sign of desperation, accusing the President of attempting to divert public attention from the shortcomings of his administration.
“Mr. President, you are a drowning man. Wrestle with your failures, not your opponents,” Atiku declared.
He added that Tinubu’s comment was particularly concerning given that it was made in response to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, which had called for credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.
According to Atiku, the gathering should have served as an opportunity for the President to reassure the nation and demonstrate statesmanship, rather than adopt a combative posture.
He urged the administration to direct its energy toward tackling inflation, food insecurity, unemployment, persistent security threats, and the declining purchasing power of citizens.
Atiku maintained that the President’s primary challenge ahead of the 2027 general election would be his administration’s performance record rather than the activities of opposition figures, noting that Nigerians will ultimately judge the government by the tangible impact of its policies.
He further emphasized that democratic elections must be determined by the electorate at the ballot box, not through aggressive rhetoric.
“The Nigerian people are not looking for a wrestler; they are looking for a leader. History will not remember who shouted the loudest. It will remember who governed the best,” he said.
Atiku’s response follows a meeting in Abuja between President Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, during which the President reportedly stated his resolve to wrestle his political rivals to the finish line in 2027.
The Bishops had urged political leaders and regulatory bodies to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful electoral processes.