By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has outlined the agenda for his proposed visit to the United States, saying his engagements will focus on Nigeria’s worsening security, governance, and economic challenges.
In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the country is facing what he described as a “full-blown internal crisis” that can no longer be ignored or politicised. He warned that rising violence across different regions, including the North-West, North-East, and Middle Belt, points to a systemic breakdown in security.
According to him, “the Nigerian state is steadily losing its grip on its most fundamental responsibility the protection of lives and property,” adding that communities are being overrun while citizens are increasingly left vulnerable.
The former presidential candidate stressed that the situation has moved beyond isolated incidents to a pattern of failure, arguing that any government unable to guarantee safety risks losing its moral authority to govern.
On the economy, Atiku highlighted deepening hardship among Nigerians, citing rising inflation, a weakened currency, and declining purchasing power. He said policy inconsistency and lack of clear direction have worsened the situation, leaving citizens “stretched to the limits of endurance.”
He also raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic institutions, warning that declining public trust in governance, accountability, and the electoral process could threaten national stability, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
Addressing possible criticism of his international engagement, Atiku defended his decision to interact with global stakeholders, insisting that “telling the truth about Nigeria is not unpatriotic.” He noted that Nigeria’s challenges have global implications and cannot be addressed in isolation.
“Nigeria does not exist in a vacuum,” he said, adding that while only Nigerians will determine their leadership, international partners have a legitimate interest in the country’s stability and democratic health.
Atiku urged the current administration to prioritise urgent reforms, restore public confidence, and adopt a credible strategy to tackle insecurity and economic decline. He emphasised that “power is not an entitlement but a responsibility,” calling for results rather than explanations.
He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand accountability, stressing that meaningful change must come from within.
“Nigeria stands at a critical juncture,” he said. “The choice is between confronting hard truths now or allowing the country to drift further into instability.”
