The Proactive Coalition of Nigerians (PROCON) has cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against offering economic policy advice to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The group, in a statement on Thursday by the national president David Onuh, labelled Atiku’s ideas as outdated and self-serving.
The coalition criticized Atiku for advocating for subsidy removal without addressing structural issues as well as prioritizing profits over people. Onuh emphasized that Nigerians rejected Atiku’s leadership style in the 2023 elections due to its incompatibility with national progress.
The coalition commended President Tinubu’s vision for social advancement, inclusivity, regional unity, and economic diversification. They praised Tinubu’s awareness of the need for investments in Nigeria’s future, which aligns with the country’s desire for a leader dedicated to its development.
PROCON, therefore, urged Atiku to respect the democratic process and allow the current government to implement its vision. The group said Nigerians have moved past Atiku’s vision and that his latest appeals will not resonate with the public.
The statement reads: “The choice of Asiwaju over Atiku was a collective effort by the Nigerian populace, which is evident from the fact that Atiku’s brand of leadership was not only unfit for Nigeria’s present challenges, but it also carried many risks of selfish interests over the national good,” the statement said.
“Atiku, who had previously held the second-highest office in this country, had his tenure leave much to be desired. It was one that spiralled from many controversies over policy decisions to questionable alliances, making his legacy look contentious.”
“This blatant attempt to reassert himself into the national dialogue with claims that the government should adopt his manifesto exposes a disconnect between his selfish priorities and the needs of the citizens.
“We are sorry to tell him that Nigerians have moved past his vision for a reason, and his latest appeals will not resonate with a public that has already weighed his leadership style and found it lacking, let alone be considered.
“Nigeria is obviously better off without Atiku, as one of its most seasoned elders and past presidents ever declined to support him at any point in time.“Atiku’s drive for privatisation is a risky venture, believed to prioritise profits over people.
Being known for who he is, it is evident that our natural resources would be privatised to Atiku himself through proxy means, and others would end up in the hands of his allies, in a deceitful presentation as a route to efficiency and advancement that would end in no fruition.
“We all know that the sale of national resources frequently concentrates them in the hands of a few people, disadvantaging regular Nigerians. Atiku’s stance on selling Nigeria’s refineries and other infrastructure would have obviously converted public resources into private assets, leaving the populace at the expense of full private manipulation.
“With the knowledge that his manifesto and track record are heavily focused on privatisation, notably of Nigeria’s refineries and other national assets, the majority swiftly rejected his presidential aspiration in 2023. With this decision, Nigerians unanimously avoided creating a nation that would surely become more divided and resentful.
“Having a leader with so much obsession with oil as the foundation of Nigeria’s economy is a catastrophic flaw in any strategy. In an era where every economy is already diversifying and shifting to sustainable industries, technology, and renewable energy, Atiku’s focus betrays a lack of understanding of the full potential Nigeria’s economy has.
“No one is moved by the manipulative political tactics of Atiku Abubakar any longer. Nigerians already made it clear at the polling units that they don’t agree with his views and ideals and wouldn’t want him in the presidential seat.
“Firmly based on an antiquated form of government, it is obvious that his strategy is incompatible with the goals of a country aiming for economic innovation, equity, national relevance, and growth. Nigerians no longer desire leaders who still uphold outdated ideas of power in the present changed political trajectory. Atiku’s actions embody an era where political elites profiting was prioritised over the growth and advancement of the national populace.”
“The Proactive Coalition of Nigerians is convinced that there are valid concerns that Nigeria might have returned to a course of nepotism and cronyism if Atiku had been elected by Nigerians. With the climate of suspicion surrounding Atiku’s political ambitions due to his troubled past and dubious ties, he is to be distrusted rather than trusted and, therefore, needs to be ignored by Nigerians and the Presidency.
“Understanding these dangers of having Atiku as a choice, Nigerians already made the prudent decision to back Tinubu’s presidency in order to prevent them. It would have been brutal and detrimental to Nigeria to have a president whose goals are not in line with those of the people, but it’s a blessing that Tinubu is far more suited to lead the country than Atiku because he possesses the vision, accountability, and sincere dedication to leading the country right, despite the inherited problems and challenges being faced.
“Now, under Asiwaju’s leadership, things have changed from how they used to be. The president has demonstrated an awareness of the necessity of making investments related to Nigeria’s future, one which is in contrast to Atiku’s thoughts and actions.
“President Tinubu has reflected a vision that encompasses social advancement, inclusivity, regional unity, and economic diversification. In a wise comparison, while Tinubu’s ideas stand to benefit the present and future generations, Atiku’s proposals are focused on short-term advantages that frequently benefit a small number of elites and are not even sustainable for the present generation.
“It is important to note that the 2023 decision Nigerians made was motivated by their desire for a leader who is honest, accepts responsibility for his actions, and is dedicated to the development of the country. Atiku Abubakar must understand that Nigerians have already moved on from his rejected, outmoded ideologies and self-serving ambition.”
“Hence, demanding that the government embrace his platform is very disrespectful of the people’s choice, and he needs to sit down in Dubai quietly until his next routine of presidential campaign. We are focused on the future, not the past, and Atiku’s political style is just obsolete.
“The days of profit-driven governance and self-serving agendas are finished. Nigerians demand leaders who are willing to strive for the common good, who prioritise the country’s interests before their own, and who welcome economic diversity. In these difficult times, Nigeria needs this dedication to a resilient and egalitarian economy.”