ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced plans to visit the United States to draw international attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and governance challenges.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, noting that Atiku would engage policy and institutional stakeholders during the visit.
According to the statement, the former vice president described Nigeria as facing a “full-blown internal crisis” that can no longer be ignored or politicised.
It said the country is grappling with widespread violence across regions, including the North-West, North-East, and the Middle Belt, alongside rising cases of kidnapping and criminality nationwide.
“Atiku warns that the Nigerian state is steadily losing its grip on its most fundamental responsibility: the protection of lives and property,” the statement read.
He argued that the situation has gone beyond isolated incidents and now reflects systemic failure, with communities overrun, livelihoods destroyed, and citizens left vulnerable.
The statement further stressed that any government unable to guarantee security loses the moral basis of its mandate.
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On the economy, Atiku highlighted worsening living conditions, pointing to rising inflation, a weakened currency, and declining purchasing power.
“He notes that rising inflation, a weakened currency, and collapsing purchasing power have pushed millions into distress, while policy inconsistency and lack of strategic direction continue to erode confidence in the economy,” the statement said.
The former vice president also raised alarm over weakening democratic institutions, warning that declining public trust in governance, accountability, and the electoral process could threaten national stability.
As the country approaches another election cycle, he cautioned that any attempt to undermine transparency or manipulate outcomes would have serious consequences for national unity and legitimacy.
Responding to potential criticism of his planned US visit, Atiku rejected claims that engaging foreign partners amounts to inviting external interference.
“Atiku is unequivocal: telling the truth about Nigeria is not unpatriotic,” the statement said, adding that Nigeria cannot operate in isolation given its global significance.
He maintained that while Nigerians alone would determine their leadership, international stakeholders have a legitimate interest in the country’s stability and democratic health.
In a message to the current administration, Atiku urged the government to urgently reset its priorities, rebuild public confidence, and present a credible strategy to tackle insecurity and economic challenges.
He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and demand accountability, stressing that meaningful reform must come from within.
Describing Nigeria as being at a critical juncture, he said the country requires “courage, honesty, and decisive leadership” to avoid further instability.
The development comes amid intensifying political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as part of a broader opposition coalition, even as the party continues to face internal leadership disputes.
VONa had also reported that Atiku engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., in a $1.2 million deal aimed at enhancing his international profile and shaping policy perception in the United States.