APC and Atiku Clash Over Economic Policies

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hit back at Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress. They are responding to his ongoing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government, especially its economic policies.

APC called Atiku a rejected politician. They said his political comments do not reflect reality and are just attempts to win back the people's support.

The party added that Tinubu’s administration is providing relief from the hardships caused by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Atiku was once a leader.

Atiku recently promised to rally Nigerians against what he sees as the failed policies of the current government.

In an exclusive chat with Sunday PUNCH, Atiku spoke through his Media Aide, Paul Ibe. He said his policy blueprint is being reviewed to tackle poverty, insecurity, and other important issues.

He mentioned, “Atiku is reviewing his policies, not just on subsidy, but also on education, energy in general, state police and other issues. He is taking a look at the economy, insecurity and other aspects where this APC-led Federal Government has failed. This is to ensure that he is properly prepared.”

Atiku added, “As I have said, this election is a referendum on the failed policies and failures of the Tinubu government to protect and secure the lives and property of Nigerians and take care of their welfare. These are the primary responsibilities of government.”

He believes he is a man of the people and will use the ADC to mobilise Nigerians against the Tinubu government. His message will reach every corner of Nigeria.

On the other hand, the APC defended Tinubu’s economic reforms. They believe these reforms will eventually help Nigerians.

Bala Ibrahim, the APC Director of Publicity, spoke with Sunday PUNCH. He claimed that the current administration’s policies are far better than what Atiku is proposing.

He said APC has earned the confidence of Nigerians. He stated that citizens would not risk abandoning what they know for what is unknown.

“Atiku can propose very mouth-watering offers to Nigerians, but Nigerians should know better. They know that that which has been done, that which has been sown and fertilised, and is already beginning to yield good fruit, cannot be jettisoned for that which has not been tested,” Ibrahim said.

He accused Atiku of being insincere in his claims, saying, “These are political statements. They are just policies or statements that are made on the podium in order to entice or appease, make offers that cannot be fulfilled to Nigerians. Nigeria is not made up of people who are fools. Nigeria is made up of intelligent people, who have values, and they know the difference between the good and the bad.”

Ibrahim also reminded everyone that Atiku is not new to politics. He said, “Atiku is not coming from hell or another universe. He is actually a Nigerian who has tested political office. He has done what he did, and Nigerians said no. The rejection given to Atiku when in PDP is a rejection that was based on the hardship they had ushered into the country. The APC has come with succour, the kind of succour people want. It has introduced reforms.