Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have pledged to collaborate in reversing Nigeria’s growing economic and governance challenges.
Their joint commitment came during the 60th birthday lecture of former Minister of Transportation and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, held in Abuja.
The event, themed “Weaponising Poverty in Nigeria,” attracted top leaders who expressed deep concern over the country’s worsening situation.
Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, accused the current government of intentionally exploiting poverty as a political tool.
“This administration is weaponising poverty,” Atiku declared. “We are united to stop this and save Nigeria.”
Recalling his youth in northern Nigeria, Atiku contrasted the past prosperity with today’s rising homelessness and hardship. He also claimed federal authorities thwarted efforts in Kano to help the destitute.
“We are determined to reverse this decline,” he said. “Call us conspirators if you like we’ll keep ‘conspiring’ to fight poverty and abuse of power.”
El-Rufai shared Atiku’s alarm, describing Nigeria’s current crisis as the worst since 1914.
“Nigeria faces its greatest danger ever,” he said. “We’re building a coalition to restore the nation.”
While disputing Atiku’s claim of deliberate poverty weaponisation, El-Rufai blamed persistent poor leadership.
“We repeatedly elect leaders who lack the skills to govern effectively. Real progress only comes when competent leaders take charge.”
He urged voters to focus on competence in the 2027 elections.
Amaechi, however, placed responsibility on the people rather than leaders.
“The problem isn’t the leaders but the followers,” Amaechi argued. “Leaders act without consequences because citizens tolerate everything.”
“After protests, fuel prices still went up and no one pushed back. We don’t truly want change.”
Frustrated, Amaechi questioned Nigeria’s collective resolve “I keep asking do we really want to be a nation?”
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