Tinubu, Atiku Trade Blows Over Privatisation Ahead of 2027

A fresh political confrontation has erupted between President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with both camps exchanging sharp accusations over Nigeria’s privatisation policy in a dispute that underscores widening fault lines ahead of the 2027 general elections. The latest clash was

triggered by remarks from President Tinubu during a meeting with Renewed Hope Ambassadors inAbuja, where he took aim at opposition figures who have criticized his administration’s economic direction. Without naming Atiku directly, Tinubu questioned the legacy of past leaders who oversaw

privatisation efforts. “He was the chairman of the privatisation council… He privatized the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today?” the President said, casting doubt on the effectiveness of earlier reforms.

 

Tinubu’s comments were widely interpreted as a direct reference to Atiku, who chaired the National Council on Privatisation during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Atiku Fires Back Atiku responded swiftly and forcefully, dismissing the President’s remarks as a “reckless tirade” and

accusing him of “hypocrisy, historical amnesia, and political desperation.” In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku defended his record, arguing that the privatisation program he supervised led to the revival of several key enterprises. He cited companies such as Oando Plc, Conoil

Plc, Ardova Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Benue Cement Company, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja as examples of successful reforms that unlocked value and improved efficiency. Atiku also accused the Tinubu administration of pursuing what he described as “privatisation without accountability,”

particularly in the handling of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. According to the statement, “What is being implemented today lacks transparency, clear valuation, and accountability regarding who truly benefits.” The former Vice President further argued that Tinubu had previously

opposed privatisation initiatives he now appears to support, framing the current policy direction as inconsistent and opportunistic. War of Words Turns Personal.

The exchange quickly escalated beyond policy disagreements into personal territory, with Atiku’s camp questioning the President’s credibility and intellectual posture. The statement suggested Tinubu’s comments reflected a failure to engage with documented history and economic records. It also pointed to longstanding public controversies surrounding the President’s background, arguing that such issues should warrant restraint in criticizing others. Tinubu’s camp has not formally responded to the personal allegations, but his earlier remarks signaled a broader strategy of challenging the track record of

opposition leaders as part of the political narrative heading toward 2027. ADC Joins the Fray

 

The dispute widened as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aligned with Atiku, entered the debate with a strongly worded statement accusing Tinubu of being “disconnected from reality.” ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi criticized Tinubu for focusing on political attacks while Nigerians

grapple with economic hardship and insecurity. The ADC pointed to rising inflation, declining purchasing power, and worsening insecurity, including reports of abductions, as evidence that the administration’s policies have deepened public suffering. ADC also pushed back against Tinubu’s dismissal of opposition activities, rejecting claims that its national convention was improperly conducted and alleging that

democratic space has narrowed under the current administration. 

 

Broader Political Implications

The clash highlights growing political tensions as Nigeria approaches the midpoint of Tinubu’s tenure. Analysts note that debates over privatization are likely to remain central, given their implications for economic reform, state ownership, and public accountability. Privatization has long been a contentious

issue in Nigeria, with supporters arguing it improves efficiency and attracts investment, while critics contend it can lead to asset stripping, job losses, and lack of transparency. Atiku’s defence of past reforms positions him as a proponent of market-driven policies, while Tinubu’s criticism suggests an

attempt to reframe the narrative around the outcomes of those policies.

 

Focus Shifts to 2027

Beyond the policy arguments, both sides appear to be positioning themselves for a larger political contest. The ADC explicitly warned that the President could face significant electoral backlash in 2027, citing widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians. “He should be deeply concerned that the majority of

Nigerians have rejected his government,” Abdullahi said, adding that voters are “determined to vote him out.” For now, the exchange marks one of the most direct confrontations between Tinubu and Atiku since the 2023 elections, signaling that the battle lines for the next electoral cycle are already being drawn. As both camps continue to trade accusations, the debate over privatization; once a technical economic issue, has become a proxy for broader questions about governance, accountability, and the direction of Africa’s largest economy.