WorldStage– Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for embarking on a three-week working vacation in Europe at a time of severe economic hardship and persistent insecurity across Nigeria.
President Tinubu departed Abuja for Europe on Sunday, with London as his initial destination.
Presidential spokespersons stated that the President will return after his leave to prepare for upcoming political activities, however, Atiku argued in a public statement that the timing shows a deep disconnect from national realities.
He stated that while the absence may not violate the constitution, it creates a serious vacuum in political leadership.
Atiku pointed out multiple challenges currently facing ordinary citizens, including high living costs, skyrocketing petrol prices and expensive transport fares, food scarcity causing families to struggle to buy basic meals, and ongoing violent attacks affecting communities nationwide.
To emphasize his point, Atiku used a family metaphor by noting that a father may travel when his home is peaceful, but will not leave when his house is on fire.
Atiku also highlighted that Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently out of the country on official assignment in Angola.
He argued that the simultaneous absence of both top leaders leaves the nation without immediate oversight during a national crisis.
The ADC candidate contrasted his political platform with the current administration, accusing the government of ignoring public pain and declared his goal to restore economic stability for all citizens.
