Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over what he described as repeated campaign promises without clear explanations of how they would be implemented.
Speaking during Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Oseni said the former Vice President was increasingly sounding like a collection of political statements rather than presenting Nigerians with detailed plans for achieving his promises.
“Atiku Abubakar is beginning to sound like a public sound bite to me.”
Oseni’s comments followed Atiku’s recent promise to reinstate the fuel subsidy if elected President in the 2027 general elections.
The ADC presidential candidate has argued that the removal of the petrol subsidy by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has not produced the benefits Nigerians were promised.
Atiku has also promised to reopen all border crossings in northern Nigeria to encourage legitimate commercial activities and improve economic opportunities in the region.
However, Oseni said Nigerians needed more than campaign declarations and should be given a clear explanation of how the proposed policies would work.
“There’s no follow-up and no clear idea of how it’s going to be done. Give Nigerians a step-by-step explanation of how you intend to achieve it.”
The broadcaster urged politicians seeking the presidency to provide details about the practical steps they would take to implement their policies rather than relying on broad promises during the campaign.
“Let’s stop all these hypes.”
Oseni also made a reference to the debate over the cost of compressed natural gas, CNG, suggesting that Atiku’s criticism of the government’s policies had contributed to pressure that eventually led to action by the Tinubu administration.
“At least, we should thank him that, because of him, President Tinubu has directed CNG to reduce its prices.”
Atiku’s proposed return of fuel subsidies has become one of the major economic issues emerging ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly as Nigerians continue to deal with the effects of petrol price changes and the wider cost-of-living crisis.
The former Vice President has repeatedly criticised the government’s handling of the subsidy removal and has argued that his administration would adopt policies aimed at reducing the economic burden on Nigerians.
His proposal to reopen northern borders is also part of his wider economic agenda, with Atiku arguing that improved cross-border trade could support businesses and economic activity.
Oseni’s criticism, however, focused on the implementation details behind the promises, urging Atiku to explain precisely how his proposed policies would be funded and executed if elected.
The comments come as political parties and presidential hopefuls increasingly intensify their preparations for the 2027 elections, with economic policy, insecurity and the cost of living expected to remain major issues during the campaign.
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