Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of ‘Lying With Statistics’ on Economy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration for what
he described as relying on misleading statistics to mask Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Atiku said no amount of “lying with statistics” or creative accounting could hide the realities of hardship
faced by ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 2, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public
Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku challenged the government’s claims on fuel subsidy savings,
public debt, workers’ welfare, and education funding. He argued that official records contradict the
administration’s narratives.
Atiku pointed to the Federal Government’s exposure to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which he said
rose from approximately ₦26.9 trillion in May 2023 to over ₦40.38 trillion.
He cited CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s figures showing an increase of ₦17.39 trillion (77.6%)
between May 2025 and May 2026.
“This administration has not reduced its indebtedness to the CBN. It has merely changed the label on
the debt,” he stated.
The former Vice President also faulted claims that subsidy removal savings are reducing inherited
liabilities, describing them as inconsistent with available data.
He highlighted unpaid wage adjustments and other grievances from organised labour, saying these
realities contrast with government presentations.
Atiku urged honesty from officials, noting that food prices, inflation, business closures, unemployment,
naira depreciation, and poverty reflect the daily struggles of citizens more accurately than official
statistics. He warned that glossing over these issues undermines public trust.
By Oyinkansola Shittu
