Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has responded sharply to President Bola Tinubu over recent comments questioning his role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme, insisting that his record in public service remains intact and well documented.

Tinubu had, on Thursday, criticised Atiku’s involvement in past economic reforms, while also making a political comparison suggesting attempts to “privatise” the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The President also referenced the former vice president’s tenure during Nigeria’s privatisation drive, describing it as unsuccessful.

In a swift reaction, Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, dismissed the President’s remarks as reckless and politically motivated.

Shaibu said the comments reflect what he described as “hypocrisy and historical distortion,” arguing that the current administration is now pursuing similar economic policies earlier championed by Atiku, but without adequate transparency.

He maintained that Atiku had long supported reforms in critical sectors, including calls for the privatisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the sale of government-owned refineries to competent private investors.

According to him, what is being implemented today mirrors those earlier proposals, but the outcomes have been different due to poor execution and lack of accountability.

“This is not reform; it is privatisation without accountability,” Shaibu stated, adding that economic hardship currently being experienced across the country reflects the failure of ongoing policies.

He further criticised the Tinubu administration, claiming that rising inflation and declining purchasing power have worsened living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.

Shaibu also maintained that Atiku’s public service record remains “clear and defensible,” while cautioning against attempts to distort historical facts for political gain.

He, however, added a pointed remark suggesting that public figures should be cautious in making personal or historical accusations without addressing questions surrounding their own records.

The exchange marks another escalation in the ongoing political tension between both leaders as the country inches closer to the 2027 general elections.