I built ABTI in 1993, before becoming VP, Atiku replies Tinubu

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us I built ABTI in 1993, before becoming VP, Atiku replies Tinubu News November 7, 2026 7:46 pm File photo: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has defended his investment in education after President Bola Tinubu questioned how he established a university while serving in government, saying he laid the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993, six years before becoming vice-president.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, said his investment in education predated his entry into public office, insisting that his business record was open to scrutiny.

He made the remarks in a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Saturday in response to Tinubu’s criticism at the presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Tinubu had questioned how Atiku built a university while serving as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, alleging that public funds were used to establish the institution.

“Ask him how he built the university while in office as vice-president in charge of our economy. Who built the university for him? It’s your money. A man without moral integrity and ethics,” the President said.

However, Atiku said he had begun investing in education before joining the Obasanjo administration, citing the establishment of ABTI Academy in 1993, which he said later grew into the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa State.

“The answer is simple: my investment in education predates my time in public service. In 1993, while a US court ordered the forfeiture of funds in an account in your name, describing them as proceeds of narcotics trafficking or funds involved in unlawful financial transactions, I was laying the foundation for ABTI Academy,” he said.

Atiku argued that the timeline of his investment contrasted with Tinubu’s own history, saying his business activities could be traced.

“That moment captures the difference between us. My history is traceable. I can show Nigerians how I built my name, achieved success in business and entered public leadership. Your own history remains clumsy and foggy,” he said.

He also accused Tinubu of diverting attention from the economic hardship facing Nigerians by criticising his business record.

The ADC candidate faulted Tinubu’s position that Nigeria could not return to petrol subsidy, questioning whether the administration’s policies were taking the country towards deeper poverty, debt, insecurity and unemployment.

He alleged that more than 79 million Nigerians had been pushed into extreme poverty under the current administration and criticised a remark attributed to the President’s campaign Director-General describing hungry Nigerians as lazy.

Atiku also outlined his proposed economic alternative under his Affordable Life campaign, promising to restore what he described as a transparent, production-based petrol subsidy tied to local refining.

“By the grace of the Almighty and with the mandate of the Nigerian people, I will restore a transparent, production-based subsidy tied to the local refining of fuel. Nigerians will benefit directly through lower energy costs, including the prices of petrol and diesel,” he said.

He further promised to expand social welfare programmes and address alleged diversion of funds meant for economically vulnerable Nigerians.

Atiku, who served as vice-president from 1999 to 2007, is seeking the presidency under the ADC in the 2027 general election.

Dirisu Yakubu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience covering parliament, politics, and development issues. He specializes in reporting that provides context and insight into legislative and governance matters. Dirisu’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and impactful journalism.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.