Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security, governance and economic conditions ahead of his planned visit to the United States.
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday, Atiku said his forthcoming engagement with policy and institutional stakeholders in the US would focus on what he described as the “alarming deterioration” of the country’s situation.
He declared that Nigeria is facing a “full-blown internal crisis” that can no longer be ignored or politicised, citing persistent violence in the North-West and North-East, continued bloodshed in the Middle Belt, and the spread of kidnapping and criminal activities nationwide.
According to him, the situation reflects a deeper pattern of systemic failure, with communities under attack, livelihoods disrupted, and citizens increasingly left vulnerable.
He argued that any government unable to guarantee the protection of lives and property risks losing the moral justification for its mandate.
The former vice president also expressed concern over the country’s economic outlook, describing the hardship faced by Nigerians as severe and avoidable. He pointed to rising inflation, currency depreciation and declining purchasing power as key indicators of economic strain, adding that policy inconsistency and weak strategic direction have further undermined confidence.
He said, “Telling the truth about Nigeria is not unpatriotic. Engaging global partners does not amount to inviting foreign interference. Nigeria does not exist in isolation, and we cannot pretend that our internal challenges have no external implications. The world already sees what is happening; the real question is whether we are prepared to confront it honestly.
“While Nigerians alone will decide the leadership of this country, international partners have a legitimate interest in our stability, governance standards and democratic health, given Nigeria’s strategic importance.”
“Power is not an entitlement but a responsibility. Nigerians expect results, not explanations. This is not the time for complacency or deflection. The government must urgently reset its priorities, restore public confidence and demonstrate a clear, credible strategy for addressing insecurity and economic decline.
“No nation survives in silence. Nigerians must remain vigilant, engaged and unyielding in their demand for accountability. Real change will not come from outside the country but from the collective will of its people.”
He concluded, “Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The choice before us is clear: confront these hard truths now or allow the country to drift further into instability. This moment demands courage, honesty and decisive leadership. Anything less would be a disservice to our nation and its future.”
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
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