“Food Handouts Not Governance” — Atiku Criticises Tinubu, First Lady

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the distribution of food palliatives by the administration of Bola Tinubu, describing it as a political exercise rather than genuine governance.

In a statement issued by his spokesman Phrank Shaibu, Atiku faulted the recent initiative by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to distribute 100 trucks of rice and N1.2 billion in aid across northern states and the FCT.

He argued that the move reflects a “normalisation of poverty,” insisting that Nigerians need sustainable economic solutions, not periodic handouts.

“Nigerians are not beggars to be pacified with periodic handouts while their livelihoods collapse,” he said, adding that rising inflation and insecurity have worsened hardship, particularly for farmers in the North.

Atiku also alleged that food distribution was being used as a political tool, citing similar initiatives previously linked to the president’s son.

He maintained that the country requires long-term policies to address food security and economic stability, rather than what he described as “optics over substance.”