Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to personally account for his administration’s performance before seeking re-election in 2027, questioning his reported plan to rely on political allies during campaign activities.

Northern Nigeria Hub reported that Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, following Tinubu’s indication that his governing responsibilities might prevent him from attending some campaign rallies.

Atiku argued that Tinubu should explain his first-term record to Nigerians before asking for another four-year mandate, citing rising living costs, difficulties affording healthcare and limited employment opportunities for young people.

He also questioned the President’s emphasis on meeting obligations to foreign creditors and attracting investors, arguing that the economic difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians deserved comparable urgency. According to Atiku, governors, ministers and other political allies could not take the place of the President in answering questions about his policies and decisions.

The former vice president maintained that voters would assess the administration based on their experiences rather than campaign arguments from political supporters. He urged Tinubu to address concerns over food prices, declining purchasing power, pensioners’ access to medicines and youth unemployment ahead of the 2027 election.