Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, are united in opposition to what he described as the Federal Government’s “weaponisation of poverty.”

 

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the remarks during an event held in Abuja on Saturday to commemorate Amaechi’s 60th birthday.

 

Speaking at the gathering, Atiku emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat poverty and resist policies that he claims are designed to exploit it.

 

“You may call me a conspirator or anything, but that is why we are in this alliance—to ensure they do not continue their weaponising policies,” Atiku said.

 

 

“One of our star conspirators is Rotimi Amaechi. Therefore, we are here to wish you many happy returns, and we will continue to conspire with you to reduce poverty and prevent the state apparatus from being used to weaponise it.”

 

 

 

Atiku’s comments have sparked renewed political discourse on poverty alleviation and the role of governance in either enabling or addressing economic hardship in Nigeria.