Atiku dares Tinubu: Trade Escalade for Innoson to prove ‘Nigeria first’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, branding it a public relations gimmick lacking genuine commitment to local content or economic patriotism.

In a fiery statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku called on President Tinubu to lead by example by replacing his foreign-made Cadillac Escalade with a locally manufactured Innoson or Nord vehicle.

“That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos. Let’s see the ministers—those shameless Rolls-Royce connoisseurs—sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles too. Or is ‘Nigeria First’ only for the masses?”

Atiku also slammed the administration’s double standards on leisure and healthcare, challenging the President to vacation within Nigeria and seek medical treatment locally.

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“If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls.

“And the era of jetting off for medical tourism while preaching self-reliance must end,” the statement said.

Atiku to Tinubu: Do Your Next Medical Checkup at LUTH or UCH, Not Abroad

Atiku demanded that Tinubu’s future medical checkups be conducted in Nigerian hospitals such as LUTH, UCH Ibadan, or the high-profile facility in Akwa Ibom.

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“If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their Commander-in-Chief. Anything less is sheer hypocrisy.”

Calling out what he described as “the government’s addiction to foreign luxuries,” Atiku’s camp insisted that authentic leadership requires sacrifice and sincerity, not photo-ops or soundbites.

“Nigeria deserves real commitment, not this never-ending charade,” the statement concluded.