Atiku Heads to US to Highlight Nigeria’s Security, Economic Crisis

Atiku Heads to US to Highlight Nigeria’s Security, Economic Crisis

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced plans to travel to the United States to draw international attention to what he describes as Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, deepening economic hardship, and broader governance crisis.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the visit will involve engagements with policymakers, institutions, and stakeholders in the U.S. aimed at discussing Nigeria’s democratic and economic situation.

Atiku described Nigeria’s security situation as a “full-blown internal crisis,” warning that insecurity has spread across multiple regions of the country. He cited violence in the North-West and North-East, continued killings in the Middle Belt, and rising cases of kidnapping and criminal activity nationwide, saying the situation now reflects systemic failure rather than isolated incidents.

He added that communities are being overrun, livelihoods destroyed, and citizens left increasingly vulnerable, arguing that the government is struggling to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

On the economy, the former vice president raised concerns over worsening inflation, currency depreciation, and declining purchasing power, which he said are placing severe pressure on households across the country. He attributed the situation to inconsistent policy direction and lack of a clear economic strategy, warning that the hardship could deepen without urgent intervention.

Atiku also expressed concern about Nigeria’s democratic institutions, warning that declining trust in governance, accountability, and electoral processes could threaten national stability. He stressed the importance of transparency as the country approaches another election cycle, cautioning that any attempt to undermine electoral integrity would have consequences for unity and legitimacy.

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Responding to criticism of his planned engagement in the United States, Atiku rejected claims that his actions amount to inviting foreign interference. He insisted that engaging international partners on Nigeria’s challenges is legitimate, noting that the country’s situation has global implications due to its strategic importance.

He maintained that while Nigerians alone will decide their leadership, the international community also has a legitimate interest in Nigeria’s stability and democratic development, adding that “telling the truth about Nigeria is not unpatriotic.”

Atiku further urged the current administration to urgently reset its priorities, strengthen security structures, and implement clear economic reforms aimed at restoring public trust.

He also called on citizens to remain engaged and hold leaders accountable, stressing that sustainable national progress must be driven by responsible governance and internal commitment to reform.

The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress as part of a broader opposition coalition.

However, the party is currently facing internal leadership tensions and factional disputes, reflecting ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Atiku Heads to US to Highlight Nigeria’s Security, Economic Crisis