Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has confirmed plans to visit the United States to draw international attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining governance standards.
During the visit, Atiku is expected to engage with policy and institutional stakeholders in the United States.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described Nigeria as facing a “full-blown internal crisis” that can no longer be downplayed or politicised. “From the ravaging violence in the North-West and North-East, to the persistent bloodshed in the Middle Belt, and the growing spread of kidnapping and criminality across the country, Atiku warns that the Nigerian state is steadily losing its grip on its most fundamental responsibility: the protection of lives and property,” the statement said.
It added that the situation has moved beyond isolated incidents to what he described as a pattern of systemic failure, with communities overrun, livelihoods destroyed and citizens left vulnerable.On the economy, Atiku pointed to deepening hardship, citing rising inflation, a weakened currency and declining purchasing power.
He said 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 former vice president also expressed concern about the state of democratic institutions, warning that declining public confidence in governance, accountability and the electoral process could threaten national stability.
“As the country moves toward another election cycle, he insists that any attempt to undermine transparency or manipulate outcomes will carry serious consequences for both unity and legitimacy,” said the statement.
Atiku while addressing possible criticism of his planned U.S. engagement, rejected claims that engaging international partners amounts to inviting foreign interference.
He urged the government to “urgently reset its priorities,” restore public confidence and demonstrate a credible strategy to address insecurity and economic challenges.
Atiku also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand accountability from leaders, stressing that meaningful change must come from within.
He said the country is at a critical juncture requiring “courage, honesty and decisive leadership” to avert further instability. The development comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who served as vice president from 1999 to 2007, recently left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the African Democratic Congress as part of a broader opposition coalition, although the party has been grappling with internal disputes.