Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying Nigerian workers are facing increasing hardship as a result of reforms that have worsened living conditions across the country.

In a Workers’ Day message posted on Friday via his X handle, Atiku said the 2026 celebration was not one of joy, but a moment of reflection on the deteriorating situation of the Nigerian worker.

“This year’s Workers’ Day is not a moment of joy for millions of Nigerians. It is a painful reminder of broken promises and a growing burden placed on the shoulders of those who keep this country running,” he said.

Atiku specifically faulted the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary but poorly implemented policy.

“Let me be clear: the removal of fuel subsidy was inevitable and long overdue. However, its implementation by this administration was hasty, unstructured, and devoid of the necessary safeguards to protect ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.

He noted that the policy has led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, with transport fares, food prices, and essential goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for workers.

According to him, wages have not been adjusted to match the economic pressure placed on citizens.

“What we have witnessed is a dramatic surge in the cost of living without any commensurate increase in wages or meaningful support systems.

The Nigerian worker has been left to absorb shocks that should have been mitigated by responsible governance,” he added.

Atiku also raised concerns about the management of funds saved from the subsidy removal, saying Nigerians are yet to feel any positive impact.

“Trillions of naira have reportedly been saved, yet the average Nigerian cannot point to a single aspect of their lives that has improved as a result.

This raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and priorities,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to implement urgent measures such as wage adjustments, social support programmes, and increased investment in key sectors like healthcare and education.

“Economic reforms must be people-centred. Growth that does not translate into improved living conditions for workers is neither inclusive nor sustainable,” he added.

Reaffirming his solidarity with Nigerian workers, Atiku urged the government to respond decisively to their concerns.

“On this Workers’ Day, I stand in solidarity with every Nigerian worker. Their resilience is remarkable, but resilience should not be mistaken for endurance of endless hardship. The time to act is now,” he said.

The senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Shehu Lawan, has withdrawn from the state governorship race and endorsed Mustapha Gubio as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, according to a statement by the senator’s legislative aide, Usman Alkali.

Alkali said the meeting, attended by key party leaders and stakeholders, resolved that Lawan should step down to pave the way for Gubio’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate.

He added that the senator is expected to retain his seat in the Senate following the development.

The meeting was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and had in attendance Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, APC leaders, National Assembly members, and members of the Borno Elders Forum.

According to the statement, the decision was taken to promote unity and strengthen cohesion within the party ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Government confirmed that the APC has adopted Gubio as its consensus governorship candidate.

In a separate statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, said Zulum presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima in Abuja as the party’s preferred candidate.

Zulum described the move as a reflection of a united position within the party in the state and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support.

He also acknowledged the role of the Vice President in fostering unity among party stakeholders in Borno State.

Party leaders and stakeholders are expected to return to Maiduguri for further consultations following the development.