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Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has delivered a sharp message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that the distribution of foodstuffs such as rice and spaghetti cannot buy legitimacy or guarantee electoral success in the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement, Atiku declared:“2027: Rice, Spaghetti can’t secure your legitimacy.”
He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of relying on temporary palliatives instead of delivering meaningful governance to address the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
Atiku stressed that true legitimacy in a democracy flows from competent leadership, economic stability, improved security, job creation, and the genuine will of the people not from bags of rice and spaghetti handed out during election seasons.
“Distributing food items may provide momentary relief, but it does not solve the fundamental problems of inflation, unemployment, poverty, and collapsing infrastructure that Nigerians are confronting daily,” Atiku said. “The people are wiser now. They know the difference between genuine governance and vote-buying strategies dressed up as compassion.”
The former Vice President urged President Tinubu to focus on structural reforms that will deliver lasting prosperity rather than short-term handouts that vanish once the election cycle ends.
“As we approach 2027, let it be clear: no amount of rice or spaghetti will substitute for good governance. The Nigerian people will vote with their conscience, and they will choose leaders who truly care about their future,” Atiku added.
The statement is seen as a direct challenge to the ruling party’s reported strategy of using food palliatives to shore up political support amid widespread economic discontent.
Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong, issue-based opposition that will offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.