The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Atiku Abubakar

  • Atiku Demands Full Disclosure Of Nigeria-US Health MoU

    Atiku Demands Full Disclosure Of Nigeria-US Health MoU

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to publish the full text of Nigeria’s five-year health agreement with the United States.

    Atiku’s demand followed concerns raised by Ghana over a proposed health compact with the US, particularly issues relating to medical records, pathogen information, funding commitments and the regulation of imported medical products.

    In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians should be able to examine the commitments made by the Federal Government under the agreement.

    Nigeria and the United States signed the health Memorandum of Understanding on December 19, 2025. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the five-year agreement, running from April 2026 to December 2030, covers disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory systems, biosafety procedures for pathogen samples, health data systems and access to essential health commodities.

    Under the agreement, the US is expected to provide nearly $2bn in grant funding, while Nigeria has committed to increasing domestic health financing, projected by the government to mobilise nearly $3bn over the five-year period.

    Atiku questioned whether provisions that Ghana reportedly rejected were contained in Nigeria’s agreement with Washington.

    “At this point, Nigerians do not know whether the provisions Ghana rejected are in the agreement Tinubu signed. That is precisely why the government must publish the full text. Nigerians should not have to guess what has been agreed in their name,” he said.

    Ghanaian President John Mahama recently said his government rejected a proposed US health compact after concerns were raised over medical records, pathogen information, counterpart funding and the inspection of imported medicines.

    Atiku also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, particularly maternal mortality.

    He cited internationally reported estimates that Nigeria recorded about 75,000 maternal deaths in 2023, representing a significant share of global maternal deaths.

    The former vice president argued that the government’s international health commitments should be considered alongside its ability to finance healthcare programmes domestically.

    He specifically questioned the level of funding released for capital projects at the Federal Ministry of Health.

    Atiku cited remarks attributed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence, that only N36m had been released from the N218bn appropriated for capital projects and programmes at the ministry’s headquarters in 2025.

    “A government that cannot release funds for approved health projects must explain how it intends to honour a multibillion-dollar commitment,” Atiku said.

    He argued that the impact of the agreement should ultimately be measured by improvements in healthcare delivery, including the ability of hospitals to provide services and women to receive safe maternity care.

    Atiku further called for the publication of all documents connected to the agreement, including protocols, annexes, data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing agreements and financial commitments.

    He questioned what would happen to Nigerians’ medical information and pathogen samples under the agreement, who would have access to such information and what safeguards would protect patients.

    He also asked whether the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control would retain its full authority to inspect medicines and medical products imported under the arrangement.

    The ADC candidate said Nigeria should continue to participate in international health partnerships but maintained that the government should disclose the terms of agreements entered into on behalf of Nigerians.

    “Nigeria welcomes international cooperation that saves lives, but the government must be accountable for the terms it accepts and the results it delivers,” he said.

    Atiku also called for greater disclosure of the administration’s other international commitments, including its growing partnership with France.

    “Nigeria’s sovereignty is not classified information,” he said.

  • Atiku Backs Higher Minimum Wage, Blames Tinubu Policies For Rising Cost Of Living

    Atiku Backs Higher Minimum Wage, Blames Tinubu Policies For Rising Cost Of Living

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has backed organised labour’s demand for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage, arguing that rising costs have eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

    Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of imposing what he described as a severe economic squeeze on workers.

    He argued that the increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 had not translated into improved living conditions because of rising prices of petrol, food, transportation and housing.

    Atiku particularly criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the policy pushed up living costs without adequate measures to protect working families.

    He said the current N70,000 minimum wage could buy only about 50 litres of petrol at N1,400 per litre, compared with about 118 litres that the previous N30,000 wage could purchase when petrol sold at the April 2023 national average of N254.06 per litre.

    According to him, the comparison showed that the increase in workers’ pay had not kept pace with the rise in living costs.

    “The payslip has grown, but the fuel it can buy has more than halved. Tinubu has given workers a larger number and left them with a smaller life. That is hardship dressed up as a wage increase,” Atiku said.

    He called on the Federal Government to agree to a substantial increase in the minimum wage that reflects the current cost of food, transportation, rent and other essential needs.

    Atiku also promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would begin work on raising the wage floor from its first day in office and introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of living.

    He proposed support for domestic production, targeted assistance for vulnerable Nigerians and a production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.

    His comments came amid renewed calls from organised labour for a review of the N70,000 minimum wage, which labour leaders have argued no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic conditions.

    ### Akume Calls For Peace Ahead Of 2027 Elections

    Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged Nigerians to maintain peace and unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    Akume made the call on Sunday during a national church service held at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

    In his vote of thanks, the SGF said Nigeria’s democratic development depended on citizens maintaining peace and unity, urging voters to approach the 2027 elections with hope rather than division.

    “As we look toward the 2027 elections ahead, let us remember that democracy is sustained by peace and unity. Our votes must be cast not in division, but in hope,” Akume said.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue and reject actions that could deepen divisions, saying the electoral process should reflect the aspirations of a united population.

    Akume also reflected on Nigeria’s 66 years as an independent nation, noting that the country had experienced sacrifices, challenges and achievements over the decades.

    He further highlighted the country’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 as one of the milestones recorded in Nigeria’s post-independence history.

  • Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s decision to appoint former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to his 2027 Presidential Campaign Council was partly aimed at recognising what he described as El-Rufai’s political sacrifices.

    Momodu, who serves as Deputy Director-General of the campaign’s Media and Communications Directorate, spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Friday.

    Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, unveiled his campaign council on Thursday, appointing Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman and El-Rufai as deputy chairman. Senator Austin Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager.

    Explaining El-Rufai’s inclusion, Momodu said the appointment was a way of acknowledging the former Kaduna governor’s political experience and what he described as the difficulties he had faced.

    Momodu also pointed to El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria despite the legal proceedings involving him, arguing that the former governor could have remained outside the country but chose to return.

    El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings and has denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations against him. Reports on the case have also noted that he remains involved in proceedings concerning allegations linked to his time in public office.

    Commenting on the bail conditions attached to El-Rufai’s case, Momodu described them as excessive and questioned what he considered the former governor’s treatment by the authorities.

    Momodu further credited El-Rufai with playing an important role in the political developments that preceded the 2023 presidential election, claiming that his contribution was significant to President Bola Tinubu’s emergence.

    That claim represents Momodu’s political assessment and was not independently established by the campaign council announcement.

    El-Rufai’s appointment places him among several prominent political figures assembled by Atiku as the ADC builds its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The council includes former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, who was named chairman of the Campaign Advisory Board, while Momodu will oversee Media and Communications and former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye will lead Contact and Mobilisation.

    The campaign structure comprises six operational directorates, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen will coordinate the Policy Team, while former governors and other political figures are also included in the wider campaign structure.

    The unveiling of the council comes as political parties and their candidates begin preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the ADC campaign saying its structure would focus on issues including the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

  • 2027: Atiku, El-Rufai, others pick new All Democratic Alliance party for coalition, writes INEC for registration

    2027: Atiku, El-Rufai, others pick new All Democratic Alliance party for coalition, writes INEC for registration

    Opposition leaders under the banner of the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG) have adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as the platform to use in tackling the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

    NNCG has also formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register as a party ahead of the next general elections. The coalition’s application letter addressed to INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and dated June 19, was co-signed by the National Chairman of ADA, Chief Akin Ricketts and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Musa Elayo.

    The letter which was stamped received by the office of the INEC chairman on June 20, 2025, was titled: “Application for registration as a political party” with ADA name and flag.

    “We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance as a political party.

    “This is sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.

    “The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.

    “The National Secretariat of the party is as stated at the bottom of the association’s letterhead used in this application.

    “We have also herewith attached our logo describing in details the symbolism of our party colours and the their configuration and the corn (Maize).

    “We have further attached our manifesto encompassing details of our party ideology, and our constitution providing the legal framework that defines our identity, structures and organization, regulates our affairs and guides our actions in alignment with Section 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022) and global democratic principles and objectives.

    “Please find attached the following documents: our party flag depicting our name, acronym and slogan, manifesto, constitution and minutes of meeting.

    “While we eagerly await further action from the commission on the next step forward towards attaining our desired goal, please accept the consideration of our highest respect. Thank you yours most sincerely; Chief Akin A. Rickets, Protem National Chairman,” the letter read.

    Members of the coalition include: Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai; the convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Dr. Umar Ardo, and former Senate President David Mark, among others.

    The group had considered joining an existing political party which saw the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) being earlier considered.

    The coalition later set up a committee to consider the option of registering a new platform where all members will start on equal footing in terms of membership.
    This was after several members of the coalition expressed concerns over the internal wrangling within existing parties, which in some cases led to litigation. Daily Trust

  • Atiku signifies interest for 2023 elections in leaked memo to PDP.

    Atiku signifies interest for 2023 elections in leaked memo to PDP.

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has appeared to have signified interest to run for the 2023 Presidential elections according to a leaked memo seen by NewsWireNGR.

    In the memo dated June 29, 2021, the Presidential aspirant expressed gratitude to the Peoples Democratic Party for their role in the 2023 elections and urged the party to gear up for the upcoming 2023 elections.

    “It is with utmost respect that I convey to you, my deep appreciation and profound gratitude for the overwhelming support and massive electoral votes cast to support our Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and my candidature for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the 2019 general elections,” he said.

    “Now, we are better equipped, and all our compatriots must team-up today towards a new political and economic order that should radically reinvent our beloved country.

    “We are fully prepared to work in synergy to restore hope, pull Nigeria back from the brinks and relive the patriotic spirit of our founding fathers! I believe that together we would rebuild our broken fences, mend our cracked walls, restore hope, and return Nigeria to the path of greatness again. Surely, we can, and we must.”

    He further claimed that the party lost the 2019 Presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari because of the “massive fraud perpetrated by the ruling Party (APC) using its strangulating hold on the National electoral system, your efforts would have produced one of the loudest expressions of political rejection of the ravages and abysmal decadence to which our beloved nation has descended, since 2015.”

    And since he lost the election, he has reflected on the country’s electoral processes and his Presidential ambition.

    This reflection showed that the very issues that urged him to vie for President like, “insecurity, poverty, educational decay with an alarming rate of out-of-school children, economic backwardness, socio-economic and environmental dislocation, marked by sweltering hubs of internally displaced persons, decadent infrastructures, absence of national cohesion, leadership failures arising from lack of capacity to galvanize our peoples’ energies and restore hope,” still exists in the country.

    Atiku further laid to rest speculations that he was planning to dump the party that gave him platform to contest the 2019 presidential election as a candidate. He said he had been in Dubai, UAE learning and equipping himself with skills needed to better fix the challenges the country is facing.

    “Several persons, particularly associates and compatriots may have felt frustrated, some have even privately expressed so, while others have publicly complained that we have left them without leadership guidance democratic forces who have visited severe stress on our political economy. I concede that individuals are justified to hold such opinions and even more. But they are not entirely correct,” he added.

     

    “I assuage these feelings. Yes, I may have been apparently out of regular physical presence in Nigeria. My absence was not completely deliberate. Rather, it was strategic, as I have kept close contact and monitored events in our polity, reviewing and studying the changing dynamics. In addition, I also tried to undertake personal educational improvement, equipping myself with new knowledge, capacity and skills that would methodically review the appalling situation. Our nation is indeed in the intensive care unit and would require delicate surgical procedures. We are all members of that surgical team.”

    (newswirengr.com)