WorkersDay2026: Atiku Slams Tinubu, Says ‘Renewed Hope’ Has Become ‘Renewed Hardship’

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing assessment of the Tinubu administration’s impact on the Nigerian workforce.

In a statement released via his official X handle on Friday, May 1, 2026, to commemorate Workers’ Day, Atiku characterized the current government’s "Renewed Hope" agenda as a "slogan betrayed," asserting that the past three years have yielded "renewed hardship" rather than economic progress for the average citizen.

Atiku argued that while nations worldwide honor the dignity of labor, the Nigerian worker—including teachers, nurses, and civil servants—has become the primary victim of an administration focused more on revenue collection than citizen welfare.

He contended that the fortunes of the Nigerian people have remained stagnant while the financial resources at the disposal of those in power have significantly increased.

Critique of Fuel Subsidy Removal

The former Vice President clarified his stance on the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a "necessary step" that was "recklessly executed."

While acknowledging that he had long advocated for the policy to end the "fiscal hemorrhage" enriching middlemen, Atiku condemned the President’s inauguration-day announcement for its lack of preparatory safeguards. He noted that:

• The policy was executed with no transition plan or cushioning mechanisms for ordinary Nigerians.

• Transportation and food costs increased exponentially overnight, eroding salaries already weakened by years of inflation.

• A responsible administration would have shared the "pain of reform" equitably rather than leaving the workforce to "drown."

Allegations of Mismanaged Savings

Atiku raised critical questions regarding the trillions of naira ostensibly saved from the subsidy removal.

He alleged that instead of being channeled into healthcare, education, or economic stimuli, the bulk of the Federal Government’s share is being utilized to finance the controversial $11 billion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Atiku alleged the project was awarded without competitive bidding or adherence to established due process.

He claimed the contract was awarded to a business partner of President Tinubu, characterizing the move as a "brazen conversion of public resources for private enrichment."