Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” Approach

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has labeled President Bola Tinubu’s recent “Nigeria First” slogan as misleading.

 

Atiku argues that this initiative appears to be another insincere public relations effort, lacking a real commitment to improve the country.

 

In a detailed statement from his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku urged President Tinubu to show authentic nationalism by switching from his foreign luxury vehicle to a locally produced car, and by utilizing Nigerian healthcare facilities for any medical needs.

“We challenge President Tinubu to stop the external glamour and choose an Innoson or any locally assembled vehicle. That would significantly boost local production more than any policy statement could,” Atiku remarked.

 

He also called on the President’s ministers, whom he referred to as “shameless Rolls Royce enthusiasts,” to follow suit in using Nigerian-made cars as a sign of support for ordinary citizens.

 

Atiku’s demands extended beyond vehicles; he encouraged Tinubu to forgo his preference for vacationing in France and the UK in favor of exploring local destinations like Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls.

“Nigeria is stunning—unless the President disagrees,” he noted.

 

Furthermore, Atiku criticized the President for his frequent trips abroad for medical care, calling this a stark contradiction to the government’s push for self-sufficiency.

 

“We insist that President Tinubu — the so-called advocate of ‘Nigeria First’ — get all forthcoming medical examinations at LUTH, the National Hospital Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or even the new N41 billion hospital in Akwa Ibom. If these facilities are suitable for everyday Nigerians, they should suffice for their leader. Anything less is blatant hypocrisy,” he asserted.

 

Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of indulging in foreign luxuries while expecting Nigerians to make sacrifices, stating that the government has failed to build trust or confidence.

“True leadership goes beyond photo opportunities; it’s about leading by example. Nigeria deserves genuine dedication, not this ongoing farce,” he concluded.