2027: Tinubu Challenges Atiku to Explain How He Financed University

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to explain how he financed the establishment of his university, alleging that public resources may have been used to build the institution while Atiku was serving in government.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The President, who is seeking re-election in 2027, was responding to opposition criticism of his administration over the rising cost of living, hunger and economic hardship when he turned his attention to Atiku’s business and political record.

He accused the former vice-president of being part of the political leadership responsible for Nigeria’s economic difficulties and questioned how he established the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State, while serving under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.

Tinubu told the rally that Nigerians should ask Atiku how he acquired the resources to establish the institution while holding public office and overseeing aspects of the country’s economy.

The President also questioned the former vice-president’s moral standing to criticise his administration, accusing him of lacking the integrity expected of someone seeking the nation’s highest political office.

Tinubu, however, did not present evidence at the rally to substantiate his allegation that public funds were used to finance the university.

Atiku responded to the President’s remarks later on Saturday, insisting that his investment in education began before he became vice-president.

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In a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said he laid the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993, six years before becoming vice-president.

He argued that his business activities and investment in education predated his entry into public service, adding that his financial and business history could be scrutinised.

Atiku also turned the accusation against Tinubu, referring to the 1993 United States civil forfeiture case involving funds held in bank accounts in the President’s name.

He cited the case while arguing that his own investment in education had started long before the period Tinubu questioned.

Atiku accused the President of using attacks on his personal business history to divert attention from the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

He also criticised the administration’s handling of the economy, alleging that its policies had worsened poverty, unemployment, insecurity and the cost of living.

The former vice-president further challenged Tinubu’s position on petrol subsidy, promising that an Atiku-led government would introduce what he described as a transparent, production-based subsidy tied to local refining.

He said the proposed arrangement would be designed to reduce energy costs, including the prices of petrol and diesel, while also pledging increased investment in social welfare programmes.

However, the timeline of the university’s establishment presents an important detail in the exchange.

According to the American University of Nigeria’s official history, Atiku first established ABTI Academy, now known as AUN Academy, in 2002. The university was licensed as ABTI University in 2003, construction began in October 2004, and its first students were admitted in the 2005/2006 academic session.

The university’s official account therefore places the formal establishment of ABTI Academy and the development of the university project within Atiku’s years as vice-president.

Atiku’s latest statement, however, distinguishes his claimed 1993 foundation of ABTI Academy from the later development of the institution into a university.

The university’s published history does not independently confirm the 1993 date cited by Atiku. The distinction between his claim about the beginning of his education investment and the institution’s documented establishment milestones is therefore central to the dispute.

The President’s allegation and Atiku’s response have reopened questions about the business records and public-service histories of the two political figures as the 2027 presidential campaign gathers momentum.

Atiku served as vice-president from 1999 to 2007 under Obasanjo and has remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics. He is seeking the presidency under the ADC, although a recent Federal High Court judgment has thrown his party’s leadership structure and presidential nomination into legal uncertainty. The ADC has rejected the ruling and indicated that it would challenge it.

The latest exchange between Tinubu and Atiku adds another dimension to the political contest, with both camps using questions about personal integrity, economic management and their records in public office to challenge each other’s credibility.