Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and a leading opposition figure, has criticised Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that distributing food items such as rice and spaghetti will not secure political legitimacy or guarantee victory in the 2027 general elections.

 Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and a leading opposition figure, has criticised Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that distributing food items such as rice and spaghetti will not secure political legitimacy or guarantee victory in the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded remark, Atiku argued that governance should focus on addressing Nigeria’s deep-rooted economic and social challenges rather than short-term relief measures. According to him, while palliatives may provide temporary support to struggling citizens, they do not replace the need for sustainable policies that improve living standards, create jobs, and stabilise the economy.

His comments come amid ongoing hardship in Nigeria, where many households are grappling with rising inflation and cost of living pressures. The federal government has, in recent months, rolled out food distribution and other relief efforts aimed at cushioning the effects of economic reforms.

Atiku maintained that true legitimacy in a democratic system comes from effective leadership, transparency, and measurable improvements in citizens’ welfare—not from periodic distribution of aid. He urged the administration to prioritise long-term economic recovery strategies over what he described as “politically motivated handouts.”

The statement adds to the growing political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition figures continue to scrutinise the policies and performance of the current administration.