Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, has called for the removal of President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027, citing the government’s alleged weaponisation of poverty.
Speaking at a lecture in Abuja to mark Amaechi’s 60th birthday, Atiku said poverty is worsening under Tinubu, accusing the administration of deliberately dismantling state agencies meant to help the poor.
Amaechi, who refused to back Tinubu in 2023, said he knew Tinubu lacked the capacity to lead. He criticised the manipulation of voters through ethnicity and religion, and accused the current government of diverting public funds meant for health and education.
“I’m ashamed of what Nigeria has become”, Amaechi said, recounting how he was detained in Germany over his Nigerian passport.
El-Rufa’i echoed the criticism, blaming poor leadership and saying the coalition’s goal is to “put Nigeria back on track”.
Other speakers, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan and former Emir of Kano Sanusi LamiÉ—o Sanusi, highlighted the moral and social costs of rising poverty. Sanusi said the elite are detached from the reality of suffering in rural Nigeria.
The guest lecturer, Dr. Chidi Amuta, said democracy in Nigeria has been hijacked by an unproductive elite ruling over a majority poor population, now estimated at 133 million people.
The event was attended by top political figures across party lines.
