Atiku fires back at Tinubu over education investment, recalls US forfeiture case

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his remarks concerning his investment in the education sector, recalling a 1993 US forfeiture case involving the Nigerian leader.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, accused Tinubu of attempting to divert public attention from the economic challenges facing Nigerians under his administration.

The exchange followed Tinubu’s question about how Atiku was able to establish an educational institution while serving as Vice President.

Responding, Atiku said his investment in education predated his entry into public office, noting that he began laying the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993.

He said, “The answer is simple: my investment in education predates my time in public service. In 1993, while a U.S. court ordered the forfeiture of funds in an account in your name, describing them as proceeds of narcotics trafficking or funds involved in unlawful financial transactions, I was laying the foundation for ABTI Academy.”

The former Vice President added that the academy later developed into the American University of Nigeria, insisting that his business activities and transition into public service were well documented.

Atiku also accused the Tinubu administration of worsening poverty, unemployment, insecurity and the rising cost of living.

He questioned the direction of the country under the current government, alleging that Nigerians were being pushed further into poverty, debt and economic uncertainty.

The ADC chieftain further criticized the government’s response to hunger, referencing a recent remark attributed to APC campaign Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, describing hungry Nigerians as lazy.

“You created poverty, then insult the people suffering from it,” Atiku said.

On fuel subsidy, the former Vice President promised to introduce a transparent, production-based system linked to domestic refining if elected president in 2027, saying the policy would help reduce energy costs.

He also insisted that his “Affordable Life” campaign would continue despite what he described as attacks from the ruling party.

“I will be on that ballot, and I will beat you decisively,” he declared.

Atiku maintained that Nigerians had experienced Tinubu’s leadership and would judge his administration based on its performance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.