By Editor
ABUJA — The wife of ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Titi Atiku Abubakar, has drawn political battle lines ahead of 2027.
She said her husband is not contesting to “chop government money” but to “give back to Nigerians.”
Titi Atiku made the statement at a women’s town hall in Abuja on Tuesday.
She used almost the same words the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, used in 2023 when she said the Tinubu family was not going to Aso Rock to steal.
The remark immediately went viral and sparked debate online.
According to Titi Atiku, Nigerians are tired of leaders who see power as an opportunity to enrich themselves.
“My husband is not coming to chop government money. He is coming to fix what has been broken and give back to the people,” she said.
She added that Atiku has “enough to eat” and is running out of concern for the country.
Without mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by name, Titi Atiku criticized the current administration’s handling of the economy.
She cited rising food prices, job losses, and hardship in northern Nigeria.
She said the ADC will offer “a government of compassion, not consumption.”
APC chieftains responded within hours.
A senior party official accused Titi Atiku of “copying the First Lady’s script to gain sympathy.”
He said Atiku and his family have been in government for decades and should explain their own record first.
ADC spokespersons said the statement was not an attack but a promise.
They argued that Nigerians deserve leaders motivated by service, not personal gain.
The party shared clips of Titi Atiku’s speech with the hashtag #NotToChop.
ADC spokespersons said the statement was not an attack but a promise.
They argued that Nigerians deserve leaders motivated by service, not personal gain.
The party shared clips of Titi Atiku’s speech with the hashtag #NotToChop.
On X and Facebook, supporters of both sides clashed.
Pro-Tinubu users called it “hypocrisy” and posted old photos of Atiku’s time as Vice President.
Pro-Atiku users praised Titi for “speaking the truth women feel.”
Political analysts say wives of candidates are becoming central to campaign messaging.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu set the tone in 2023 with her “not here to chop” speech.
Now Titi Atiku is using similar language to position ADC as the alternative.
The exchange comes amid public frustration over inflation and fuel prices.
Many voters say they don’t care who said what first — they want results.
Civil society groups urged both camps to focus on policy, not slogans.
Titi Atiku’s comment signals that ADC will run a campaign centered on integrity and economic relief.
It also shows how opposition parties are borrowing the ruling party’s own messaging to attack it.
With two years to the election, the battle for public trust — and for who “is not here to chop” — has officially begun.
Source: Northern Nigeria Hub
About The Author
