The African Democratic Congress has accused the All Progressives Congress of diverting attention from Nigeria’s economic and security challenges by repeatedly attacking its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the ruling party had failed to respond directly to concerns raised by Catholic bishops about poverty, insecurity, the rising cost of living and declining public confidence. He argued that the government appeared more interested in debating personalities than defending its record ahead of the 2027 election.

The party said Nigerians would ultimately judge the administration by their daily experiences, including food prices, unemployment, debt servicing, insecurity and reduced purchasing power. It maintained that political opinions about Atiku could not erase the economic record of the Obasanjo administration, during which he served as vice president and chairman of the National Economic Council.

In a separate response, Atiku rejected the presidency’s defence of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that headline indicators had not translated into better living conditions. His aide, Phrank Shaibu, cited claims that 767 manufacturing companies had closed, 335 were in distress and manufacturers were holding about N2.14 trillion in unsold goods.

Atiku also criticised the administration’s reliance on gross domestic product growth, debt ratios and lower inflation figures, saying Nigerians were still struggling with high food, transport, energy, education and healthcare costs. He urged the government to focus less on defending its record through lengthy statements and more on improving conditions in homes, markets, farms, factories, schools and hospitals.