Presidency Blasts Atiku Over Claim of Pervasive Hunger, Poverty in Nigeria

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja – The Presidency has lambasted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, said comparising Nigeria situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, is grossly misleading.

Onanuga said Atiku’s statement shows that he is disconnected from the authentic Nigerian reality.

This was contained in a statement issued via his X handle @aonanuga1956, on Monday, September 15, 2025

He said recent data tells a different story with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report for August, 2025, showing that headline inflation has declined for the fifth consecutive month.

Onanuga said under Tinubu’s administration, states are able to pay salaries and gratuities promptly.

The presidential aide added that they still have surplus funds for capital and social projects—an achievement not previously witnessed at this scale.

“Nigeria is moving in the right direction. In contrast, Atiku and his party remain stuck in the past, fixated on doomsday scenarios and revolutionary rhetoric. Ironically, many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President. President Tinubu and his team are working relentlessly to correct those errors, with bold reforms.

“After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.”

Reactions to Atiku’s of hunger, poverty in Nigeria

@Creamybond

Atiku spoke the truth. Nigerians are hungry. Bayo and APC can recite numbers all day, but you can’t eat propaganda. Tinubu’s reforms are nothing but refined hardship.

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@joejonahni

APC didn’t know talk is cheap when they claim they claim they will fix our security and light issues. 10 years later we have not progressed. We will vote anything but APC.

@Akin_Malaolu

The statement by Atiku Abubakar was nothing but the reality of the present conditions of things in the country.

The economy Tinubu crashed from $585billion GDP in 2023 nosedive to $185billion in 2025 before rebasing same to $383billion. The stark reality which everyone can see.

@Ayokiitan1

But when will these gigantic gains translate to relief for ordinary Nigerians Mr Bayo?

As much as I want to be patriotic and optimistic, there is hunger in the land.

I know how many people have called me for money today alone from the village and even here in the city.

Atiku blows hot as Tinubu marks 2 years in office

Recall that Atiku slammed President Tinubu’s administration as one of Nigeria’s most incompetent, accusing it of worsening poverty and favouring the elite.

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Shettima speaks on Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, restructure tax system, others

Atiku highlighted Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis, citing a 75% fee hike on national ID cards and rising university costs that hurt the poor while benefiting the wealthy.

He condemned the sharp rise in public debt under Tinubu, called the subsidy removal reckless, and urged a united opposition to fight for justice, freedom, and accountability.

Atiku mentions those who will determine 2027 election

In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that Atiku predicted the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.

Atiku said the 2027 presidential election will not be determined by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The 2023 PDP presidential candidate mentioned those who will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 election.

Source: Legit.ng