Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is planning a visit to the United States, citing what he calls an “alarming deterioration” in Nigeria’s security, governance and economy.
In a statement on Sunday, his media aide, Paul Ibe, said the trip will involve meetings with policy and institutional stakeholders. The date has not yet been fixed.
Atiku described Nigeria as facing a “full-blown internal crisis” that can no longer be dismissed or politicised. He pointed to escalating violence in the North-West and North-East, ongoing bloodshed in the Middle Belt, and the spread of kidnapping and criminality nationwide.
According to him, the situation reflects a pattern of systemic failure, with communities overrun, livelihoods destroyed and citizens left unprotected. He argued that any government unable to guarantee security loses the moral basis of its mandate.
On the economy, Atiku said hardship is “both severe and avoidable”. He highlighted rising inflation, a weakened currency and declining purchasing power, adding that policy inconsistency continues to undermine confidence.
He also raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic institutions, warning that falling public trust in governance, accountability and elections threatens national stability. He cautioned that any attempt to undermine transparency in upcoming polls could have serious consequences for unity and legitimacy.
Defending the planned international engagement, Atiku rejected claims that it amounts to inviting foreign interference. He said Nigeria does not operate in isolation and that global partners have a legitimate interest in its stability and democratic health.
He added that while Nigerians alone will decide their leadership, the country’s challenges have implications beyond its borders.
