Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of forging tax laws and warned that such actions raise doubts about the government’s ability to conduct credible elections in 2027.
In a New Year message issued on Thursday, Abubakar claimed that “a government capable of forging or tampering with laws cannot be trusted to conduct free and fair elections in 2027,” adding that the alleged forgery reflects “decay” in governance.
He criticised what he described as the President’s refusal to allow legislative or legal processes to address the controversy, saying the situation shows “a criminal act” was overlooked.
Atiku said 2025 was “one of the most punishing years in our recent history,” alleging that the government operated without a functional budget, borrowed recklessly, and pushed the country toward economic instability.
Abubakar further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken Nigeria’s multiparty system by turning it into a “de facto one-party state” through intimidation and state capture. He highlighted insecurity, rising national debt, and worsening living conditions, stating that kidnappings, violent crimes, job losses, and hunger became more widespread during the year.
The former vice-president said the administration has shown “arrogance and contempt for public opinion,” accusing leaders of demanding sacrifices from citizens while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast despite the hardships, insisting that the 2027 elections present an opportunity to “vote out hunger, insecurity, unemployment, dishonesty, corruption, abductions, lies, and propaganda,” adding that “Nigeria deserves better.”