Nigerians Are Unlikely to Find Reassurance in Atiku’s Past Economic Leadership from 1999—Bayo Onanuga

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is promoting his economic agenda as a better option compared to the reforms currently being pursued by President Bola Tinubu. This was stated by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement made on Sunday in Abuja. The presidency’s response indicates that Atiku’s proposals have already been evaluated by the public during recent elections and ultimately rejected....(CONTINUE READING)

Onanuga remarked that Atiku’s economic ideas are “untested” and did not gain traction with voters in the 2023 presidential election. He argued that the vague nature of Atiku’s plans contributes to the belief that they are inadequate for addressing Nigeria’s urgent economic issues. The presidency also noted that citizens remember the economic policies enacted during Atiku’s vice presidency, which were generally viewed as ineffective.

The statement pointed out that Nigerians are recalling Atiku’s management of the economy from 1999 to 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Onanuga suggested that voters might doubt proposals that lack a clear understanding of the current economic situation and specific strategies for improvement.

This skepticism arises from the notion that past experiences should inform current policymaking.Onanuga’s remarks seem to be part of a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to bolster confidence in its economic reforms amid ongoing discussions about their success.

The presidency aims to draw a distinct line between its policies and those of Atiku, especially in response to criticisms of its administration. By emphasizing the lack of specificity in Atiku’s agenda, the presidency seeks to frame the conversation around accountability and the practicality of economic planning.Furthermore, the presidency’s statement reveals an understanding of how crucial public perception is in political discussions.

By referencing the previous election and Atiku’s past performance, the administration aims to remind voters of their influence and the consequences of their choices. This strategy appears to be a deliberate effort to maintain public support and challenge any opposing views that may emerge from Atiku’s promotion of his economic vision.