Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent declaration that he would “wrestle his opponents to the finish,” describing the President as “a drowning man” attempting to distract Nigerians from his administration’s performance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Tinubu’s comments reflected a government struggling to defend what he described as a poor record in office.
According to the former Vice President, no amount of political rhetoric can restore public confidence in an administration grappling with economic hardship and other national challenges.
“Mr President, you are a drowning man. Wrestle with your failures, not your opponents,” Atiku declared.
Criticism Over Response to Catholic Bishops
Atiku expressed concern that Tinubu’s remarks came in response to an appeal by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for credible, transparent and peaceful elections.
He argued that the President’s reaction demonstrated a lack of humility, courtesy and decorum expected during an engagement with one of the country’s most respected religious institutions.
The ADC presidential candidate said the President should focus on addressing the country’s pressing challenges rather than engaging in political confrontation.
According to him, a leader presiding over the country’s current economic difficulties should be prioritising efforts to curb inflation, reduce hunger, improve security, stabilise the naira and restore public confidence in government.
‘Nigerians Want Results, Not Political Theatre’
Atiku said governments that fail often resort to political theatrics in an attempt to divert attention from the realities confronting citizens.
“These are the words of a drowning man. A government that has little to celebrate inevitably seeks refuge in chest-thumping. But Nigerians are no longer interested in political performances. They are interested in performance in government,” he said.
He added that political slogans and confrontational rhetoric cannot solve the country’s economic problems.
“Empty slogans cannot fill empty stomachs. Boastful declarations cannot lower food prices. Threats against political opponents cannot restore the value of the naira,” he stated.
‘Tinubu’s Biggest Opponent Is His Record’
The former Vice President argued that the President’s greatest challenge is not the opposition but the performance of his own administration.
According to Atiku, unpaid workers, struggling businesses, unemployed graduates, victims of insecurity and families battling hardship are evidence of the government’s shortcomings.
“His greatest opponent is his own record. Every unpaid worker, every struggling business, every unemployed graduate, every victim of insecurity and every hungry family is a living testimony to the consequences of his administration’s choices. That is the contest he has consistently failed to win,” he said.
Calls for Focus on Governance
Atiku maintained that Nigeria’s democracy is ultimately decided by voters at the ballot box, not through political rhetoric.
“Democracy is a marketplace of ideas and accountability. In 2027, Nigerians will not be stepping into a wrestling arena. They will be stepping into polling units to deliver a constitutional verdict,” he said.
He urged President Tinubu to devote the remainder of his tenure to tackling the country’s economic and security challenges rather than engaging in what he described as unnecessary political battles.
