Atiku defends his 1993 university foundation amid Tinubu’s criticism

What happened

On Saturday 7 November 2026, President Bola Tinubu addressed supporters at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar of being one of those who created the country’s hunger and of using Nigerians’ money to build a university while he was vice‑president. Tinubu urged the public to question how Atiku had financed the institution.

Atiku responded at a separate campaign rally in the same city. Through a statement issued by ADC’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, he denied the allegation and claimed that his investment in education began in 1993, well before his tenure in public office. He said that in that year he laid the foundation for the ABTI Academy, which later became the American University of Nigeria.

The two leaders’ remarks were widely reported by the Daily Post, ThisDay and Sun News, all of which noted that the exchange was part of the broader 2027 presidential campaign.

Background

The dispute centres on events from 1993. Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice‑president from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, claims that he founded the ABTI Academy in 1993. The academy has since evolved into the American University of Nigeria.

Tinubu, who took office as president in 2023, faced a U.S. court order in 1993 that required the forfeiture of $460,000 in an account held in his name. The court described the funds as proceeds of narcotics trafficking or otherwise involved in unlawful financial transactions. Tinubu has used this event to challenge Atiku’s record, suggesting that Atiku’s educational investment was a distraction from his own past controversies.

Both leaders have highlighted their respective achievements. Tinubu has praised the support he received from Port Harcourt residents during his first campaign and has described his administration as working to “clean up the mess” inherited from previous governments. Atiku, meanwhile, has emphasised that his business success and educational investments predate his public service.

Why it matters

The clash occurs against the backdrop of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 presidential election. Both Tinubu and Atiku are seeking a second term, and their statements are aimed at swaying public opinion.

Tinubu’s criticism targets Atiku’s credibility, suggesting that he used public funds for personal projects. He frames the university as a symbol of the “hunger” he claims the public is suffering from, implying that Atiku contributed to the problem.

Atiku counters that his investment in education is independent of any public office and that his record is “traceable.” He argues that Tinubu’s own history is “clumsy and foggy,” and that the president’s focus on cost‑of‑living crises and debt is misplaced. By highlighting his pre‑public‑office foundation work, Atiku seeks to portray himself as a long‑standing contributor to Nigerian development.

The exchange is significant for voters who must assess the integrity and track record of the two leading candidates. It also reflects broader themes of accountability and the use of public resources in Nigeria’s political landscape.

What happens next

The sources do not indicate any formal legal or regulatory actions following the statements. Both leaders have continued to campaign for the 2027 election, with Tinubu calling for support from APC voters and Atiku urging the public to focus on his educational achievements. No further dates or decisions are mentioned in the available reports.