By IDNN Politics Bureau | 7 May 2025 | Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken a direct swipe at President Bola Tinubu over the Federal Government’s new “Nigeria First” procurement policy, daring the president to lead by example — starting with his luxury lifestyle.
In a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Tinubu’s administration is using public relations gimmicks to mask its failure to drive real economic transformation.
“If this government is truly serious about local content and economic patriotism, it must start at the very top,” the statement reads.
🚙 “Ditch the Escalade, Buy Innoson”
Atiku challenged Tinubu to give up his foreign-made Cadillac Escalade SUV and replace it with a made-in-Nigeria Innoson or Nord vehicle. According to him, such an action would speak louder than any memo issued at a Federal Executive Council meeting.
“Let’s see the ministers — those shameless Rolls Royce connoisseurs — sweat it out in Nigerian-made vehicles too,” he added.
Atiku said if Tinubu’s new policy was more than propaganda, it should begin with the presidency adopting 100% Nigerian brands, including transportation and medical care.
“That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos,” he said.
✈️ No More London Trips, Visit Obudu Instead
The former VP also called out Tinubu’s frequent overseas travels, including reported medical check-ups in Paris and London. He urged the president to holiday at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls instead — all within Nigeria.
“Nigeria is beautiful — unless the president thinks otherwise,” Atiku said.
He further insisted that Tinubu must submit himself to medical care at Nigerian facilities such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the National Hospital Abuja, or the University College Hospital Ibadan.
“If these hospitals are good enough for ordinary Nigerians, they should be good enough for their Commander-in-Chief,” the statement added.
📜 Tinubu’s New Procurement Mandate
The “Nigeria First” policy was one of the headline resolutions from this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting. Under the directive, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are banned from purchasing foreign goods or services when Nigerian alternatives exist.
Waivers will only be issued in writing by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) under exceptional conditions.
Additionally:
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MDAs must revise their procurement plans to comply with local content rules
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Sanctions will apply for non-compliance, including cancellation of contracts
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Future contracts may include mandatory provisions for local manufacturing, technology transfer, and capacity building
🧨 A National Reset or Political Theatre?
Supporters say the policy could drive long-term industrial growth and reduce import dependence. Critics, however, argue that the administration’s top officials are yet to model the behavior they now demand from MDAs.
Atiku’s statement mirrors wider public skepticism and has reignited debate over executive hypocrisy, elitism, and the politicization of local content reform.
“We don’t need more slogans. We need leadership by example,” Shaibu concluded.