The Nigeria Youth For Atiku (NYFA), a support group for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate resignation of President Bola Tinubu, citing what they describe as gross incompetence amid growing economic hardship and suffering in Nigeria.
Mr. Dare Dada, the NYFA’s Director of Publicity, made this demand in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos. He pointed to several crises, including rising food inflation, fuel scarcity, hikes in electricity tariffs, increased international passport fees, unemployment, healthcare and education challenges, economic stagnation, and heightened insecurity as evidence of President Tinubu’s inadequate leadership.
Dada criticized Tinubu for failing to address these pressing concerns, leaving millions of Nigerians in distress. “The NYFA’s call for resignation follows widespread discontent over President Tinubu’s handling of recent national crises,” he noted.
He highlighted the president’s disappointing response to the #EndBadGovernance protests, where citizens expected reassurance but instead faced an indifferent stance. “Nigerians are being manipulated like pawns in a chess game. Under Tinubu’s leadership, national assets have been seized globally, while he has traveled extensively with no visible results,” Dada asserted.
Dada went on to blame the current administration for the increasing suffering of Nigerians, claiming that the average citizen cannot afford a square meal. Under Tinubu’s rule, he argued, Nigeria has experienced declining economic growth, increased poverty, lack of investment in critical sectors, and escalating insecurity.
The group has instead thrown its support behind Atiku Abubakar, whom they describe as a seasoned leader with a clear vision for Nigeria’s future. “Atiku’s wealth of experience is needed at this critical time to save the nation’s sinking ship,” Dada added.
Dada emphasized that the group will continue mobilizing Nigerians to hold their elected officials accountable. He expressed confidence that with Atiku at the helm, Nigeria would experience a new era of leadership that prioritizes citizens’ needs. “We demand President Tinubu’s resignation, believing that Atiku has the vision, experience, and leadership qualities necessary to transform Nigeria and restore hope to its citizens,” he said.
He outlined Atiku’s comprehensive plan to tackle the country’s challenges through economic diversification, job creation, investment in agriculture and food security, improved electricity infrastructure, enhanced healthcare and education, and strengthened national security.
Dada also called on Nigerian youth to join NYFA in demanding better leadership and a brighter future. “Together, we can build a Nigeria that works for all, where every citizen has access to basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, and education,” he encouraged.
The NYFA affirmed its complete support for Atiku’s fight for a fairer and more accountable Nigeria. “We stand firmly behind Atiku in his unwavering pursuit of transparency and accountability in our nation’s governance,” Dada declared.
He highlighted Atiku’s recent criticism of the government’s actions, such as the expedited approval for Oando Plc to acquire AGIP/ENI’s onshore assets while other transactions, like Shell/Renaissance and Mobil/Seplat, remain delayed. “This preferential treatment raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to fairness and equal opportunities for all investors,” Dada stated.
He also denounced the current administration’s subsidy regime, describing it as unsustainable and a heavy economic burden on the country. “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent financial statement reveals a staggering N7.8 trillion owed by the government to the national oil company, which is unacceptable. We demand more transparent and accountable management of our national resources,” Dada added.
Dada further condemned the increasing cases of human rights abuses and enforced disappearances, citing recent arrests and detentions of journalists and whistleblowers, like Bristol Tamunobiefiri, as evidence of the government’s intolerance of dissent.
“We stand with Atiku in demanding an immediate end to these abuses and a commitment to upholding the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians,” he said.
The NYFA urged all Nigerian youths to support Atiku’s fight for a better Nigeria, calling for transparency, accountability, and justice from the country’s leaders. “Let us make our voices heard and work towards a brighter future for our nation,” Dada concluded.
