Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s criticism of his investment in education, accusing the President of attempting to distract Nigerians from his administration’s economic record.

Atiku also revived allegations surrounding Tinubu’s forfeiture of $460,000 in the United States, arguing that the development occurred around the time he began investing in education.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said the foundation of ABTI Academy, which later became the American University of Nigeria (AUN), was laid in 1993, before he became Vice President.

Atiku Defends Education Investment

Atiku said his investment in education predated his time in public office, responding to Tinubu’s question about how he established an educational institution while serving as Vice President.

He alleged that while a US court ordered the forfeiture of funds in an account linked to Tinubu in 1993, describing them as proceeds of narcotics trafficking or funds involved in unlawful financial transactions, he was laying the foundation for ABTI Academy.

He maintained that his business and educational investments were traceable and accused Tinubu of using political attacks to undermine his record.

Faults Tinubu’s Economic Policies

The former Vice President criticised the Tinubu administration over the removal of petrol subsidy, rising living costs, mounting debt, insecurity and unemployment.

He also accused the government of worsening poverty, claiming that more than 79 million Nigerians had been pushed into extreme poverty.

Atiku questioned the administration’s position that Nigeria would not return to subsidised petrol prices, arguing that the policy had increased economic pressure on citizens.

He also defended his proposed transparent, production-based fuel subsidy tied to local refining, saying it would reduce energy costs for Nigerians.

“You say Nigeria will never return to subsidised petrol prices. You are wrong. By the grace of the Almighty and with the mandate of the Nigerian people, I will restore a transparent, production-based subsidy tied to the local refining of fuel,” he said.

Atiku added that his proposed policy would allow Nigerians to benefit from lower petrol and diesel prices.

Promises Alternative Economic Plan

The ADC candidate said his Affordable Life campaign was designed to provide an alternative to the economic policies of the Tinubu administration.

He promised investments in social welfare and a more transparent system for distributing assistance to economically vulnerable Nigerians.

Atiku also accused the President of attacking his campaign because it represented an alternative to the administration’s policies.

He insisted that he would remain in the race for the 2027 presidential election and expressed confidence in his chances against Tinubu.

He said his campaign would focus on restoring economic growth, prosperity and national development.