President Bola Tinubu says he's fixing financial problems left behind by Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate who served as vice president. Tinubu claimed Atiku sold off government assets during his tenure but neglected to pay pension obligations owed to workers.
The president made these remarks while meeting with the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Association and Northeast leaders to discuss his running mate, Kashim Shettima. He reflected on his own career trajectory and international experience.
"There is nowhere like home," Tinubu said. "I studied in America and gained expertise in accountancy and finance after training with Deloitte & Touche, but I'm applying those skills best right here in Nigeria."
Tinubu highlighted the security challenges facing the Northeast region, which has battled terrorism and banditry for years. He stressed that unity and collaborative effort remain essential for tackling Nigeria's difficulties as one nation.
"The old days are behind us," he added. "If we stabilize the economy, Nigerians won't demand much—just basic stability and social welfare." He then took direct aim at his critics in the opposition.
According to Tinubu, a political opponent sold public sector investments to private buyers while failing to settle pension debts. "I'm cleaning up that mess right now by paying the pensioners they abandoned," he said.
The president's comments represent his sharpest criticism yet of Abubakar ahead of the 2027 election cycle. They come as the administration continues addressing the pension backlog created during previous administrations.
Tinubu's remarks underscore his strategy of framing his presidency as a corrective force against past mismanagement. The Northeast region remains critical to his political calculations for the next election.
