2027: Tinubu Stakeholders Forum Calls for Debate on Records, Policies

Group Urges Atiku to Address Questions Over His Record in Government

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to address questions surrounding his record in government, following his recent criticism of the current administration.

Atiku, a leading opposition figure and presidential aspirant for 2027, recently accused those in government of having “stolen the economy” and described the political contest as one involving “thieves.”

Reacting in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the TSF said political criticism should be accompanied by evidence and should apply equally to all public office holders.

The group argued that Atiku, having served as Vice-President, should also be prepared to answer questions about decisions taken during the administration in which he served.

“Since Atiku has chosen to make the word ‘thieves’ central to his political argument, Nigerians are entitled to examine the records of everyone seeking their votes in 2027, including those who have previously held positions of responsibility,” the group said.

The Forum particularly highlighted the privatisation programme undertaken during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during which Atiku served as Vice-President and Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

According to the group, the NCP provided policy direction for the privatisation programme, while the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) was responsible for its implementation.

It said Nigerians could legitimately ask questions about how public enterprises were valued, how transactions were conducted, whether the country received fair value for the assets transferred and what safeguards were in place to prevent undue influence.

The TSF also referred to allegations made by former BPE Director-General Nasir El-Rufai during a Senate investigation into the privatisation programme in 2011.

The group, however, acknowledged that the allegations were contested and should not be treated as established findings of fact.

“The allegation was contested and should not be presented as a judicial finding. But it was made before a Senate investigative committee and became part of the public record. Atiku should therefore be willing to address the issue rather than presenting his own record as beyond scrutiny,” it said.

The Forum also referenced controversies surrounding the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) during the Obasanjo administration, stressing that its position was not to pronounce guilt but to call for accountability.

“If Atiku expects Nigerians to scrutinise the economic record of the Tinubu administration, Nigerians are equally entitled to scrutinise the record of the government in which he served as Vice-President,” the group said.

The TSF further urged political actors to focus on policies and practical solutions ahead of the 2027 general election rather than exchanging accusations.

It challenged Atiku to explain what he would do differently on issues including foreign exchange reforms, fuel subsidy policy, revenue mobilisation, taxation, infrastructure, investment and private-sector participation.

The group also said the Tinubu administration should be prepared to defend its own record before Nigerians.

“Let the Tinubu administration defend its record. Let Atiku defend his record. Let every presidential contender put his policies, achievements and past decisions before Nigerians.

“Then Nigerians can decide who has served the country better,” the Forum said.

It added that the 2027 election should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the records, policies and proposals of all presidential contenders and make an informed choice.