The Presidency has accused African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of prioritising the 2027 presidential election over Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
The allegation was made by President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, while reacting to Nigeria’s improved position in Bloomberg Economics’ latest investment-risk ranking.
Nigeria rose four places to eighth among 19 African economies assessed in the 2026 Bloomberg Economics Investment Risk-O-Meter, making it one of the biggest climbers in the latest ranking. The country overtook Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia, while Mauritius ranked first.
Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Reacting to the development, Ajayi argued that the ranking showed that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were producing measurable results.
In a post on X, the presidential aide accused Atiku and ADC vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi of attempting to reverse what he described as economic progress achieved under Tinubu.
Ajayi said the reforms were delivering “tangible and visible value” to the Nigerian economy and argued that the country’s fiscal strength and overall economic performance were stronger than they were in 2023.
He contrasted what he described as Atiku’s focus on winning elections with Tinubu’s stated emphasis on long-term economic sustainability and development.
What Bloomberg’s Ranking Says About Nigeria
Bloomberg Economics’ 2026 Investment Risk-O-Meter ranked Nigeria eighth among 19 African economies, up from 12th in the previous assessment.
The improvement was linked to stronger performance in three of the five indicators measured by the gauge: economic strength, fiscal strength and external vulnerability.
Bloomberg described Nigeria as the biggest climber in the latest ranking, with the country moving ahead of Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia.
The assessment comes against the backdrop of major economic reforms implemented since Tinubu assumed office in 2023, including petrol subsidy removal, foreign-exchange reforms and changes to electricity tariffs.
However, the improved ranking does not mean that all economic challenges have been resolved. Reports on the Bloomberg assessment note continuing concerns around public finances, infrastructure and the wider economic impact of the reforms.
Presidency Criticises Atiku and Amaechi
Ajayi said the gains reflected in the Bloomberg assessment were developments that Atiku and Amaechi would seek to reverse through what he called “misdirected populism.”
He wrote:
“While a typical politician like Atiku is always thinking of how to win election, by all means necessary, a statesman like Tinubu is thinking of long term sustainability and development of the country.”
The presidential aide also maintained that Nigeria’s fiscal strength and overall economic performance were “far stronger” than they were when Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
The comments form part of the growing political debate over the direction of Nigeria’s economy and the sustainability of Tinubu’s reforms ahead of the 2027 general election.
Economic Gains and Continuing Debate
Nigeria’s rise in the Bloomberg ranking provides the Tinubu administration with a fresh argument in support of its economic policies.
At the same time, the reforms have remained politically contentious, with opposition figures and other critics questioning their effects on household incomes, prices and the cost of living.
The Bloomberg ranking itself focuses on relative investment risk across African economies rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of living standards or the overall welfare of Nigerian households. Nigeria’s eighth-place position therefore reflects its performance within the specific indicators used by Bloomberg Economics.
The latest exchange between the Presidency and Atiku highlights the wider political disagreement over whether the government’s economic reforms should be maintained, modified or reversed ahead of the 2027 election.
For now, the Presidency is using Nigeria’s improved Bloomberg ranking as evidence of progress under Tinubu, while opposition politicians continue to challenge the administration’s economic direction.