Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” campaign, dismissing it as a hollow public relations exercise that lacks genuine commitment to national development. In a strongly worded statement released by his special assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku challenged the president to lead by example or abandon the rhetoric.
He urged Tinubu to demonstrate seriousness by abandoning his foreign-made presidential Escalade in favor of locally manufactured vehicles like Innoson or Nord. He also called on the president and his cabinet members to embrace Nigerian-made cars instead of indulging in foreign luxury, pointing out the hypocrisy of asking Nigerians to patronize local products while officials continue to splurge on imports.
Atiku also targeted Tinubu’s frequent medical trips abroad, insisting that he should begin using local facilities like LUTH, the National Hospital in Abuja, UCH Ibadan, or the Akwa Ibom International Hospital for all health check-ups. “If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their Commander-in-Chief,” he declared.
Mocking Tinubu’s preference for foreign vacations, Atiku suggested the president should opt for local tourism sites such as Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. He argued that true patriotism should start from the top, not be imposed solely on ordinary citizens.
Atiku concluded by accusing the Tinubu administration of indulging in foreign luxuries while demanding sacrifices from struggling Nigerians, saying the nation deserves leadership by example, not what he called a “never-ending charade.”
