The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has challenged former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to identify major infrastructure projects initiated and completed during the eight years of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in which he served as vice president.
The group made the demand in response to what it described as Atiku’s persistent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s policies and infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG said Atiku should account for the projects and policies he could personally associate with the Obasanjo administration between 1999 and 2007.
“We urge the ADC presidential candidate to outline for Nigerians the legacy infrastructural projects initiated and completed by that administration in eight years that have stood the test of time,” the group said.
TMSG also challenged Atiku to identify policies he initiated or championed during his tenure that, in its view, have had lasting benefits for Nigerians.
The group questioned Atiku’s role in the economic management of the Obasanjo administration and cited past disagreements over how responsibility for the administration’s economic reforms should be attributed.
TMSG also raised questions about the administration’s infrastructure spending, particularly in the power and railway sectors, against the backdrop of Nigeria’s debt relief agreement with the Paris Club.
The group said Nigeria paid about $12.4 billion as part of the debt relief arrangement, while arguing that the country continued to face major infrastructure deficits during and after the administration.
It specifically questioned what it described as the limited delivery of major railway infrastructure during the period.
“Where are the legacy infrastructural projects initiated and completed by the then government?” the group asked.
However, historical records indicate that the Obasanjo administration initiated several major reforms and infrastructure programmes, including the 25 year railway modernisation plan and the National Integrated Power Project, while telecommunications liberalisation significantly expanded access to mobile services. The administration also secured an agreement that resulted in an $18 billion Paris Club debt write off after Nigeria paid about $12.4 billion.
On rail development specifically, reporting has noted that the Obasanjo administration introduced the railway modernisation framework and awarded contracts toward the end of its tenure, although subsequent administrations were responsible for constructing and completing major standard gauge lines.
TMSG nevertheless argued that subsequent administrations, particularly those of Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and now Tinubu, were responsible for much of the physical railway development that followed the earlier plans.
The group said Atiku should therefore explain his record in government as the country moves toward another presidential election.
It also urged Nigerians to scrutinise claims about the former vice president’s experience and role in federal government ahead of the 2027 poll.
Atiku is the presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 election, according to the party’s submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
