TMSG Knocks Atiku Over Borrowing, Tax Claims Against Tinubu
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TMSG Knocks Atiku Over Borrowing, Tax Claims Against Tinubu
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Tinubu Media Support Group, TMSG has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, insisting there was no basis for claims that the Federal Government was relying on excessive borrowing, importation and taxation.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group said available economic data did not support Atiku’s assertions that Nigeria could not “borrow, import and tax its way to prosperity.”
The group said Atiku’s criticism was largely based on the latest inflation figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, arguing that he ignored key indicators showing improvements in the economy.
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According to the statement, although the June 2026 report showed a slight increase in food inflation on a month-on-month basis, the year-on-year food inflation rate dropped significantly to 17.52 per cent from 25.41 per cent recorded in June 2025.
The group attributed the improvement partly to the Federal Government’s temporary waivers on selected food imports, saying the policy contributed to easing food prices across the country.
It also accused the former vice president of selectively highlighting states with high food inflation while overlooking states such as Katsina, Rivers and Imo, where it said lower inflation rates of 19.15 per cent, 23.81 per cent and 24.60 per cent, respectively, were recorded.
The TMSG further argued that the recent rise in food prices was largely driven by the Middle East conflict, which increased global fuel prices and transportation costs, rather than the Federal Government’s economic policies.
It maintained that Nigeria’s inflation rate had been on a downward trend since the last quarter of 2025 until the outbreak of the Middle East crisis in March 2026.
The pro-Tinubu group also faulted Atiku’s claim that Nigerians were being over-taxed, describing the allegation as misleading.
It said the recently enacted Nigeria Tax Act introduced several relief measures, including zero per cent Companies Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and exemption from the four per cent Development Levy for qualified small businesses.
According to the group, the tax reforms also exempt Nigerians earning up to ₦1.2 million annually from paying personal income tax and removed mandatory withholding tax deductions for small business transactions.
The TMSG argued that the reforms had provided greater tax relief than at any other period in recent history.
It urged Nigerians to disregard Atiku’s comments, alleging that his criticism of the Tinubu administration was motivated by partisan politics rather than the national interest.
