Atiku

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has officially set the stage for his 2027 re-election bid, meeting with all 36 state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) at the Presidential Villa.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and other top party leaders were also in attendance at the high-level strategy session.

The RHA, a grassroots mobilization group, was inaugurated by President Tinubu on November 25, 2025, specifically to champion his re-election campaign. Tuesday’s meeting marks the first major coordinated effort ahead of the 2027 polls, signaling a formal kickoff of campaign activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said that living conditions in Nigeria have become more expensive than in Kenya, despite differences in fuel prices.

His remarks followed a statement by President Bola Tinubu during a visit to Bayelsa State, where the President said petrol is cheaper in Nigeria than in Kenya and several other African countries.

In a response issued on Saturday through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the comparison as ‘shallow’. He said it does not reflect the real economic situation faced by Nigerians.

He questioned the focus on fuel prices alone as a measure of economic wellbeing. He argued that factors such as income levels, purchasing power, and general cost of living provide a more accurate picture.

According to the statement, Nigeria remains more expensive when overall living costs are considered, even though petrol prices may appear lower.

“Yes, petrol prices in Nigeria may appear lower than in countries like Kenya or South Africa. But this comparison collapses instantly when placed against the backdrop of economic realities.

“Nigeria today is more expensive to live in than Kenya, with the average cost of living significantly higher, despite lower fuel prices.”

Atiku also pointed to differences in earnings between both countries. He said Kenya’s minimum wage is significantly higher than Nigeria’s.

“More alarming is the collapse in earning power. Kenya’s GDP per capita is nearly double that of Nigeria, and a minimum wage earner in Nairobi takes home the equivalent of about N170,000—more than twice Nigeria’s N70,000,” he said.

Available data shows that petrol currently sells between N1,290 and N1,350 per litre in Nigeria, while prices in Kenya exceed N1,800 per litre.

The exchange highlights ongoing debate over the impact of economic policies and the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said he now regrets his role in the creation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 general elections, noting that Nigeria’s situation has worsened compared to the period before the party emerged.

He made the statement on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing attended by opposition figures who gathered to discuss the country’s condition and ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku recalled how opposition leaders came together in 2014 to form a united front under the APC to challenge the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He explained that the move was driven by concerns over insecurity and economic difficulties at the time.

According to him, there were fears that democratic governance was under threat, which prompted the coalition to act in order to redirect the country’s path.

“We came together in 2014 because we believed democracy was faltering. The issues then were insecurity and the economy. But today, the situation has become even worse than what we set out to correct,” he said.

The former presidential candidate maintained that the current challenges facing the country have exceeded those that led to the formation of the APC. He stressed the need for political actors to learn from past alliances.

Atiku, who is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cautioned that any new coalition or opposition arrangement must be carefully planned and focused on rebuilding democratic institutions as well as restoring public trust in governance.

“We must ensure that whatever steps we take now are aimed at restoring true democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.

The briefing drew several notable opposition leaders. Their presence points to ongoing discussions and possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.