• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
Advertisement
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
No Result
View All Result

Presidency: Arrogance and Poor Strategy Cost Atiku the 2023 Election

Roland Bayode by Roland Bayode
November 12, 2024
in National, News
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
0
Presidency: Arrogance and Poor Strategy Cost Atiku the 2023 Election
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on EmailShare on Telegram


The Presidency has responded sharply to comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the nation’s current economic situation, attributing his loss in the 2023 presidential election to arrogance, poor strategy, and a disconnect from Nigeria’s realities.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, criticized Atiku’s proposals and political conduct in a statement titled “Time for Atiku Abubakar to end his grand illusions and fantasies.”


Onanuga argued that Atiku’s call for an initial consultation period before implementing critical economic reforms revealed a troubling lack of awareness about Nigeria’s pressing economic needs.

He cited Atiku’s opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decisive actions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange rate, as evidence of his inability to grasp the economic challenges facing the country.


Upon taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu swiftly ended the fuel subsidy regime and implemented foreign exchange reforms. These measures, while challenging, were deemed necessary to stabilise the economy.

However, they have also led to increased living costs, including higher prices for fuel, food, and transportation. Atiku criticized these policies as “trial and error” approaches that inflicted unnecessary pain on Nigerians. He outlined alternative measures he would have adopted, including a phased approach to subsidy removal and comprehensive consultations with stakeholders.


The Presidency dismissed Atiku’s suggestions, labelling them as outdated and impractical given the urgent economic context. Onanuga noted that the Nigerian economy required immediate intervention, a challenge Tinubu met head-on, unlike Atiku’s proposed lengthy consultations and privatization plans. The Presidency described Atiku’s approach as ineffective and detached from the immediate needs of the economy.


Onanuga also took issue with Atiku’s economic proposals, particularly his stance on privatizing the country’s four government-owned refineries. According to the Presidency, Atiku’s track record on privatization during his tenure as vice president showed poor judgement, often selling national assets at low prices to private individuals without guaranteeing technical capability or improved operations.

The Tinubu administration, in contrast, has adopted a model of rehabilitating and leasing refineries to private sector managers, aiming to boost domestic production and stabilize retail fuel prices.


In a broader critique, the Presidency accused Atiku of focusing more on discrediting Tinubu’s presidency than addressing the internal issues within his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Onanuga claimed that Atiku’s repeated unsuccessful bids for the presidency have left him embittered, and his criticisms reflect envy rather than constructive opposition.

He added that Atiku’s loss in the 2023 election was not merely a rejection of his ideas but also a response to his political arrogance, insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity, and disregard for power rotation agreements within his party.


The statement also pointed out that Atiku’s criticisms lack a solid understanding of the ongoing reforms and their intended long-term benefits. Onanuga highlighted the removal of the fuel subsidy as a bold step that had saved the country substantial revenue, projected at N5.4 trillion for 2024.

This revenue, according to the Presidency, is being redirected toward infrastructure development and social welfare programs, including targeted cash transfers aimed at alleviating the impact of subsidy removal on vulnerable Nigerians.


Furthermore, the Presidency defended the administration’s broader economic strategies, including its social intervention initiatives. These measures, it argued, are designed to provide immediate relief while laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. Programs such as student loans, consumer credits, and the Presidential CNG Initiative have been introduced within Tinubu’s first year to enhance social inclusion and support low-income households.


The Presidency also dismissed Atiku’s foreign exchange management proposal, describing his idea of a managed float system as outdated and impractical. According to the statement, this approach resembles the previous fixed exchange rate system, which created artificial scarcity and allowed a privileged few to access subsidized foreign exchange. The Tinubu administration’s decision to unify the exchange rate, despite initial volatility, aims to foster a more transparent and efficient forex market.


The Presidency argued that Atiku’s policy recommendations fail to present a credible alternative to Tinubu’s reform agenda. It suggested that his critiques are rooted in political bitterness rather than a genuine desire to address Nigeria’s challenges. Onanuga urged Atiku to focus on rebuilding his reputation and offering constructive criticism instead of what the statement described as “petty politics” and unrealistic economic fantasies.

Roland Bayode

Roland Bayode

Roland Bayode is a Nigerian journalist with expertise in investigative reporting and editorial leadership. A graduate of Mass Communication, he served as Editor-in-Chief of Echo Media at Adekunle Ajasin University and was the top intern at Premium Times Center for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) at Owena Press, The Hope Newspaper in Akure. Roland has contributed to News Round the Clock, PTCIJ Google-YIAGA LightRay Media, Apex Sport (U.S.), and served as Associate Editor for Nigeria Grassroot News under AFYMP.

Related Posts

Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP’s suit against Rivers emergency rule
National

Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP’s suit against Rivers emergency rule

5 hours ago
Doctors strike: NARD to review FG’s response
National

Doctors strike: NARD to review FG’s response

5 hours ago
Majority Leader didn’t break my head – Abia Assembly member Akachukwu
National

Majority Leader didn’t break my head – Abia Assembly member Akachukwu

5 hours ago
TCN announces power outages in Abuja, Enugu
National

TCN announces power outages in Abuja, Enugu

5 hours ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NATIONS NEWS

Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP’s suit against Rivers emergency rule
National

Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP’s suit against Rivers emergency rule

5 hours ago
Doctors strike: NARD to review FG’s response
National

Doctors strike: NARD to review FG’s response

5 hours ago
Majority Leader didn’t break my head – Abia Assembly member Akachukwu
National

Majority Leader didn’t break my head – Abia Assembly member Akachukwu

5 hours ago
TCN announces power outages in Abuja, Enugu
National

TCN announces power outages in Abuja, Enugu

5 hours ago
PDP Has No Chance in 2027, Says Former APC Treasurer
National

Forum of APC chairmen want life membership of party’s NEC

5 hours ago
Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election
National

Stop clamping down opposition over alleged coup plot – ADC tells FG

1 day ago

POLITICS

Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election

Stop clamping down opposition over alleged coup plot – ADC tells FG

1 day ago
Some southeast politicians, businessmen prefer Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention — Iwuanyanwu

Some southeast politicians, businessmen prefer Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention — Iwuanyanwu

1 day ago
At my level, I can’t secretly defect to APC — Suswam

At my level, I can’t secretly defect to APC — Suswam

2 days ago
Arewa group lambast PDP Spokesperson over disrespectful comments on Ugwuanyi

Arewa group lambast PDP Spokesperson over disrespectful comments on Ugwuanyi

4 days ago
2027: Murray-Bruce defection to APC not surprising – Dele Momodu

2027: Murray-Bruce defection to APC not surprising – Dele Momodu

4 days ago
Breaking News: Former vice president Atiku Abubakar resigns from PDP

Atiku’s greed cause of PDP’s gradual demise

5 days ago

YOUR ECONOMY

Dangote Refinery Boosts Fuel Supply as Petrol Price in Nigeria Rises to ₦955 Per Litre
Economy

Fuel price drops as marketers resume loading at Dangote Refinery

1 day ago
Dangote Refinery Boosts Fuel Supply as Petrol Price in Nigeria Rises to ₦955 Per Litre
Economy

Dangote Refinery Boosts Fuel Supply as Petrol Price in Nigeria Rises to ₦955 Per Litre

1 week ago
Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide
Economy

We never imported bad fuel – Dangote Refinery

2 weeks ago
Naira Appreciates to N1,465/$ as External Reserves Reserves Jump to $42.4bn
Economy

Naira Appreciates to N1,465/$ as External Reserves Reserves Jump to $42.4bn

2 weeks ago
BREAKING NEWS: PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike.
Economy

BREAKING NEWS: PENGASSAN calls off strike

3 weeks ago
You’re scaring off investors – Senator Karimi warns PENGASSAN over feud with Dangote Refinery
Economy

You’re scaring off investors – Senator Karimi warns PENGASSAN over feud with Dangote Refinery

3 weeks ago

E & P

2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs: We are ready for Nigeria – Gabon coach
Sports

2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs: We are ready for Nigeria – Gabon coach

by Steven Atogi
5 days ago
0

The national team coach of Gabon, Thierry Mouyouma, has said that his team is ready to tackle Nigeria in the...

2026 World Cup playoffs: Super Eagles likely to play Gabon

2026 World Cup playoffs: Super Eagles likely to play Gabon

1 week ago
EPL: They’ll be beaten – Paul Scholes predicts winner in Liverpool vs Man Utd

EPL: They’ll be beaten – Paul Scholes predicts winner in Liverpool vs Man Utd

2 weeks ago
EPL: Amorim should use Mbeumo as striker over Sesko — Owen

EPL: Amorim should use Mbeumo as striker over Sesko — Owen

3 weeks ago
Xavi Hernandez hinted to replace Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford

Xavi Hernandez hinted to replace Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford

3 weeks ago
Dembele wins 2025 Ballon d’Or ahead of Yamal [Full list]

Dembele wins 2025 Ballon d’Or ahead of Yamal [Full list]

4 weeks ago

YOUR THOUGHT & HISTORY

NASS Rubber-Stamp Tinubu: PDP Chieftain Blasts Legislature, Calls Akpabio ‘Unfit’
National

NASS Rubber-Stamp Tinubu: PDP Chieftain Blasts Legislature, Calls Akpabio ‘Unfit’

by Steven Atogi
2 weeks ago
The Union, the Tycoon, and the State: Dangote versus PENGASSAN War, A New Precedent for Nigerian Labour
Opinion

The Union, the Tycoon, and the State: Dangote versus PENGASSAN War, A New Precedent for Nigerian Labour

by Odini Brains
3 weeks ago
HOW MR EAZI, OTEDOLA’S SON-IN-LAW, BUILT AN 18-COUNTRY EMPIRE
Opinion

HOW MR EAZI, OTEDOLA’S SON-IN-LAW, BUILT AN 18-COUNTRY EMPIRE

by Odini Brains
2 months ago
Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola: A Love Story That Traveled Three Continents
National

Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola: A Love Story That Traveled Three Continents

by Odini Brains
2 months ago
The Rise And Fall Of Sports Institute, Isaka
Columns

The Rise And Fall Of Sports Institute, Isaka

by Tammy Opoki
2 months ago

Who we are

Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history

Welcome to Umpire News, your go-to online newspaper dedicated to broadening perspectives and expanding the horizons of our numerous readers. Read more

Browse by Category

  • Columns
  • Economy
  • Editorial
  • Entertainment
  • International
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Trends

Recent News

Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP’s suit against Rivers emergency rule

Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP’s suit against Rivers emergency rule

October 22, 2025
Doctors strike: NARD to review FG’s response

Doctors strike: NARD to review FG’s response

October 22, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

🤑Join & Get Our Easter Gifts 🤑

Enter your NAME & Email NOW!!

Be among the 1st 100 lucky WINNERS to win our Amazing GIFTs this Easter Period as you READ our Daily hot NEWs & make meaningful comments and follow us on our social media handles.

Name
Enter your email address