Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing the Federal Government of pushing millions of Nigerians deeper into hunger, poverty, and economic despair.
Atiku made the remarks after the United Nations warned that nearly 35 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity between June and August 2026.
In a statement released shortly after participating in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries in Yola, Adamawa State, the former vice president described the situation as a national tragedy that should alarm every Nigerian.
According to him, Nigeria has gradually moved from being celebrated as the “Giant of Africa” to becoming what he called a “hunger hotspot” under Tinubu’s leadership.
“This is not just another statistic. This is a human tragedy,” Atiku said.
“Millions of Nigerians are struggling daily — parents can no longer feed their children, households are collapsing under economic pressure, and many young people are losing hope.”
The former presidential candidate blamed the worsening hardship on what he described as poor economic decisions, policy failures, and weak leadership by the current administration.
He criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the move triggered massive increases in transportation, food prices, and the overall cost of living across the country.
According to Atiku, ordinary Nigerians are now finding it difficult to afford basic necessities as inflation continues to rise.
He also faulted the government’s foreign exchange policies, arguing that the sharp fall of the naira has weakened businesses, increased import costs, and reduced the purchasing power of citizens.
Atiku lamented that food items such as rice, beans, garri, bread, and yam have become too expensive for millions of families.
The former vice president further linked the worsening hunger crisis to insecurity in farming communities across states including Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara, Plateau, Borno, Niger, Katsina, and Sokoto.
“How can farmers produce food when they cannot safely go to their farms?” he asked.
He warned that growing hunger could fuel more insecurity, social unrest, and frustration across the country if urgent action is not taken.
According to him, Nigeria has the resources, manpower, fertile land, and agricultural potential to feed its population, but lacks “competent leadership” to manage the economy effectively.
Atiku called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a food security emergency and roll out urgent support measures for farmers and struggling households.
He recommended subsidised farm inputs, stronger protection for farming communities, food price stabilisation, emergency relief programmes, and policies focused on boosting local production.
“A hungry nation is an angry nation,” he warned.
“No amount of propaganda can hide the suffering Nigerians are facing every day.”
His comments have already sparked fresh political debate online, with supporters and critics reacting strongly to the former vice president’s assessment of the country’s economic situation.
Source: Statement by Atiku Abubakar’s media office
