Presidency to Atiku: Tinubu’s progress is clear—unless you choose not to see it

The Presidency has fired back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They say anyone who claims not to see Tinubu’s achievements is simply choosing to look the other way.

Atiku, in a statement marking the government’s second year in office, said the administration had increased poverty and wasted public funds. But Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the comments, calling them unfair and driven by personal bitterness.

According to Onanuga, the country is seeing real improvements. “Inflation is coming down, food production is up, and investments are returning. These are facts anyone can see,” he said. “Only those who pretend to be blind would miss them.”

He also pointed out that Tinubu has rolled out tough but necessary reforms, like removing the fuel subsidy and unifying the foreign exchange system—moves previous governments talked about but never acted on, including Atiku’s.

Onanuga argued that these reforms, although not easy, were essential to fix Nigeria’s economy and reduce corruption. He claimed they’ve already helped stabilize finances and open the door for investment in social programs and infrastructure.

He cited the sharp rise in the Nigerian Stock Exchange and increased government revenue as signs that the country is moving in the right direction.

Addressing Atiku’s claim that the government’s policies are hurting ordinary Nigerians, Onanuga said that’s simply not true. He pointed to the increase in minimum wage—now up to N70,000 in some states—as well as new support programs for the poor.

On education, Onanuga said the new Student Loan Scheme is already helping over 600,000 students, making higher education more accessible. “The idea that poor Nigerians can’t go to school anymore just isn’t true,” he said.

He ended by urging Atiku and other critics to be more constructive in their opposition. “President Tinubu is committed to democracy. But criticism should be serious and solution-oriented—not just political noise,” he said.