The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to identify major legacy infrastructure projects initiated and completed by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration during the eight years he served as Vice President.
The group made the demand in response to what it described as Atiku’s persistent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s policies and legacy projects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG said it was difficult to identify major completed infrastructure projects directly associated with the Obasanjo-Atiku administration.
The group said Atiku had repeatedly criticised successive administrations, including the Muhammadu Buhari government, while presenting himself as a viable alternative and highlighting his role in the Obasanjo administration.
According to TMSG, Atiku should therefore provide Nigerians with a record of the major infrastructure projects initiated and completed under the administration he served for eight years.
The statement read in part: “We have seen how former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made it a regular pastime to condemn and criticise virtually all policies and projects initiated by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“It could also be recalled that the presidential candidate toed a similar path while former President Muhammadu Buhari was in office.
“In lampooning the two administrations, the former Vice President and his handlers were always quick to paint him as a viable alternative, and in many cases claimed that he was the major driver and visionary behind the various policies of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.”
TMSG also challenged Atiku to identify policies he initiated during his tenure as Vice President which, according to the group, have had a lasting positive impact on the country.
The group further referenced past disputes over Atiku’s role in the Obasanjo administration’s economic team, citing former minister Oby Ezekwesili’s criticism of claims that he coordinated the team.
It said: “While we note that the former Vice President cannot easily claim credit for the work of the Obasanjo-era economic team, we believe he can still list the major legacy infrastructural projects of that administration, if indeed there was any.”
TMSG also questioned Atiku’s association with the privatisation programme of the Obasanjo era, urging him to provide Nigerians with details of infrastructure projects from that period that it said had delivered lasting benefits.
The group cited the $12.4 billion Paris Club debt relief secured during the Obasanjo administration and argued that Nigerians had subsequently raised concerns about the state of infrastructure, particularly in the power sector and rail transportation.
It further argued that significant activity in the rail sector became more visible during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, before subsequent development under former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current Tinubu administration.
TMSG ultimately urged Nigerians to scrutinise Atiku’s record and claims of federal-level experience as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
