Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar disclosed on Thursday that the formation of a coalition of opposition parties is aimed at offering an alternative to the current administration, citing concerns over rising economic hardship and governance challenges.
In a statement posted on his verified X status, Abubakar said the coalition intends to address what it views as a deteriorating economic situation and growing inequality across the country.
“We are here to rescue Nigeria,” he said, outlining the coalition’s goal of providing what it considers a more effective approach to leadership.
The statement comes amid criticism of the government’s handling of public finances, with issues such as increasing debt levels, inflation, and the cost of public services being key points of contention.
Atiku said, “This government has not only deepened poverty across the country, but it has also set new records in wasteful public spending.”
He lamented that at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, government officials are living in excess and approving budgets that benefit the elite at the expense of the common man.
He said that it was sad that, apart from being the poverty capital of the world, Nigeria has, under this administration, emerged in the unenviable position as the capital of malnourished children in Africa, having beaten Sudan, a nation that is at war, adding that according to the Global Hunger Index 2024, Nigeria was one of the most affected by hunger and malnutrition, occupying the 18th position.
The former candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election said, “Policy after policy under this administration has targeted the poor while providing relief and advantage to the rich. From healthcare to education to identity management and basic public services, Nigerians are now faced with class-based systems where the wealthy enjoy VIP treatment, and the rest are left behind.
“Just two weeks ago, the National Identity Management Commission (@nimc_ng) hiked its fees by 75%, introducing VIP protocols for services that should be a basic right of citizenship. In education, public university fees have been raised far beyond the reach of poor families, with no adequate support mechanisms in place.”
The coalition had stated its intention to focus on institutional reforms, economic policy changes, and enhanced social services, including food security, education, and governance accountability.
Atiku said that the goal of the coalition is to offer policy alternatives and hold the government accountable, positioning themselves as a counterbalance to what they describe as declining public trust in leadership.
