Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has renewed his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing the administration of creating an environment that is driving investors away.
Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, cited Nigerian Exchange data showing that foreign investors brought N513.36 billion into the Nigerian equities market between January and July 2026 but withdrew N779.43 billion within the same period.
According to Atiku, the resulting N266.07 billion net outflow reflects declining investor confidence in the Nigerian economy. He also criticised the Federal Government’s increased reliance on domestic borrowing, arguing that it could limit access to credit for businesses and weaken private-sector growth.
The former vice president called for economic policies focused on restoring investor confidence, reducing the cost of doing business and making energy and transportation more affordable. He argued that private-sector production should play a greater role in driving economic growth.
In response, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Hilliard Eta, called for an investigation into financial allegations previously linked to Atiku.
Speaking in Abuja, Eta urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant authorities to review petitions and historical records concerning the ADC candidate. He maintained that political figures should not be exempt from scrutiny and stressed the importance of due process.
Eta referred to issues examined in a 2010 United States Senate report, including financial transfers involving offshore entities and accounts associated with Atiku’s former wife, Jennifer Douglas. He also raised questions concerning alleged transactions connected to Siemens and funds reportedly linked to consulting arrangements involving American University of Nigeria.
The APC chieftain said his position was not intended to amount to a conviction in the media but rather a call for any available evidence to be examined through the appropriate legal channels.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State APC chairman, Kayode Babayomi, has asked the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate what he described as the alleged misuse of state resources by Governor Seyi Makinde for political activities.
Babayomi cited several political events and activities in which he alleged state funds may have been used, arguing that such spending should be subjected to scrutiny.
In another political development, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, criticised Peter Obi over his attendance at the launch of Seyi Makinde’s APM presidential campaign office in Abuja.
Obi had used the occasion to call for greater unity among Nigerians and an end to divisive politics. Bwala, however, questioned Obi’s decision to attend an event associated with another presidential candidate.
The developments come as the ADC continues to work on the structure of its 2027 presidential campaign organisation. Discussions over accommodating the Saminu Turaki-led PDP faction, alongside concerns about the financial cost of beginning a campaign several months ahead of the election, have reportedly delayed the process.
The proposed inclusion of members of the Turaki-led faction has also generated disagreements over key positions within the campaign structure.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State chapter of the PDP, backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has rejected any proposed alliance with other political parties in the state. Its leadership also dismissed the Turaki faction’s reported move towards the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), insisting that its own faction remains the authentic PDP structure in Bauchi.
