Nigerians Are Dying, Tinubu Is Nowhere to Be Found” — Atiku Blasts President Over Silence Amid National Crisis

Nigerians Are Dying, Tinubu Is Nowhere to Be Found” — Atiku Blasts President Over Silence Amid National Crisis

In a scathing critique that has sent ripples through the Nigerian political landscape, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as a total absence of leadership at a time when Nigerians are facing unprecedented suffering.

Atiku, in a statement released on Friday, did not mince words, accusing President Tinubu of abandoning his responsibilities while the country grapples with multiple crises ranging from insecurity and economic hardship to deteriorating healthcare and infrastructure.

“Nigerians are dying. The economy is in free fall. People are afraid to leave their homes, and hunger is stalking the land. Yet, President Tinubu is nowhere to be found,” Atiku stated.

Mounting Crises Across Nigeria

The statement comes amid growing discontent across the country.

Over the past few weeks, various states have reported an increase in violent attacks by bandits and insurgents, leading to dozens of deaths and the displacement of thousands. In the North Central region, entire communities have been forced to flee due to persistent raids by armed groups.

Meanwhile, the economic outlook has worsened. Inflation reached an all-time high in March 2025, with food prices skyrocketing and the naira continuing its freefall against major currencies.

Millions of Nigerians are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities such as food, fuel, and electricity.

Fuel scarcity, which had been a recurring issue, has become more severe in recent weeks, with long queues returning to major cities and black market prices surging. Power outages have also intensified, crippling businesses and worsening the quality of life for citizens.

A Deafening Silence from the Presidency

Amid these growing challenges, President Tinubu has remained largely silent. He has not addressed the nation in weeks, nor has he made any major public appearances.

The presidency has also failed to release any substantial policy statements or emergency plans to tackle the worsening situation.

This silence, Atiku argues, is a dereliction of duty.

“When the nation is bleeding, the leader must step up, not retreat into the shadows. Nigerians deserve to know that their president is present, alert, and ready to act,” he said.

Atiku further criticized what he called the government’s “lack of compassion,” noting that rather than prioritizing citizens’ welfare, the administration has continued with political ceremonies and foreign trips that have little impact on the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

Calls for Accountability

The former vice president also called on civil society groups, the international community, and concerned stakeholders to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its failures. He stressed that leadership is not just about winning elections, but about serving and protecting the people.

“The time for excuses is over. Nigerians need solutions — not silence, not blame games, not political distractions. The suffering is real, and the government must rise to the occasion,” Atiku said.

Public Reactions

Reactions to Atiku’s statement have been mixed. While many Nigerians on social media expressed agreement with his sentiments, others criticized the former vice president, accusing him of politicizing a national tragedy. However, even critics of Atiku acknowledge the severity of the issues facing the country.

Political analysts say the statement could signal the beginning of a more aggressive opposition push against the Tinubu administration, which has thus far maintained a firm grip on federal power despite increasing unrest.