Atiku Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s ‘Full-Blown Crisis,’ Takes Concerns to U.S.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security and economic situation, declaring that the country is facing a “full-blown internal crisis” that demands urgent attention.

In a statement issued Sunday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said his upcoming engagements in the United States would focus on drawing global attention to what he described as the “alarming deterioration of security, governance, and economic stability” in Nigeria.

According to him, the Nigerian state is “steadily losing its grip” on its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. He pointed to escalating violence in the North-West and North-East, persistent clashes in the Middle Belt, and the spread of kidnappings across the country.

“This has moved beyond isolated incidents to a pattern of systemic failure,” Atiku said, warning that communities are being overrun, livelihoods destroyed, and citizens left vulnerable. He added that any government unable to guarantee basic security risks losing the moral legitimacy of its mandate.

On the economy, the former presidential candidate described the situation as “severe and avoidable,” citing rising inflation, a weakened naira, and declining purchasing power. He blamed policy inconsistency and lack of strategic direction for eroding investor and public confidence.

“Nigerians are not just tired, they are being stretched to the limits of endurance,” he said.

Atiku also expressed concern over declining public trust in governance, accountability, and the electoral process, warning that any attempt to undermine transparency in future elections could have serious consequences for national unity and legitimacy.

Responding to anticipated criticism over his decision to engage international stakeholders, he dismissed claims of unpatriotism, insisting that speaking truthfully about Nigeria’s challenges does not amount to inviting foreign interference.

“Nigeria does not exist in isolation,” he said, adding that while only Nigerians will determine their leadership, global partners have a legitimate interest in the country’s stability.

He called on the government to urgently restore public confidence and present a clear strategy to address insecurity and economic decline, stressing that “power is not an entitlement but a responsibility.”

To citizens, Atiku urged vigilance and active engagement, emphasizing that meaningful change would come from within.

“Nigeria stands at a critical juncture,” he said. “The choice is between confronting hard truths now or allowing the country to drift further into instability. The moment demands courage, honesty, and decisive leadership.”