Yuguda Fires Back At Atiku: Jonathan’s Achievements Need No Embellishment

Yuguda made the remarks in response to comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had criticised Jonathan’s leadership capacity, alleging that he lacked the experience required to effectively govern the country. Atiku also attributed perceived shortcomings in Jonathan’s administration to this supposed lack of experience.

In a statement issued on Friday, Yuguda dismissed Atiku’s claims as inaccurate and not supported by historical facts. He argued that Jonathan’s record in office, including democratic reforms, economic growth, and statesmanship, should not be distorted by what he called misleading narratives.

He noted that before becoming President, Jonathan had accumulated significant executive experience as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and Acting President during the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s illness. According to him, these roles provided substantial governance exposure that prepared Jonathan for national leadership.

Yuguda further stated that under Jonathan’s administration, Nigeria’s economy expanded to become Africa’s largest, foreign investment increased, and key economic indicators showed improvement. He also pointed to reductions in poverty levels and cited credible institutions as sources of these assessments.

He highlighted infrastructure and social development projects, including the revival of railway services across several regions and the rehabilitation of the Zaria–Gusau–Kaura Namoda rail line after decades of neglect. He also referenced the establishment of 12 federal universities, nine of which were located in Northern Nigeria, as well as the creation of about 165 Almajiri schools aimed at expanding access to education.

Yuguda praised Jonathan’s calm and restrained leadership style, describing it as a stabilising force during periods of national tension. He said the former president consistently discouraged confrontational politics and demonstrated loyalty to former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua during his tenure as Acting President.

He added that Jonathan has remained respectful and non-confrontational even after leaving office, noting his involvement in peace missions and election observation roles across Africa. According to Yuguda, Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 election, despite security challenges, remains one of the strongest examples of democratic maturity in Nigeria’s history.

Yuguda concluded that Jonathan’s legacy is well documented and evident in his achievements, insisting that it does not require embellishment. He added that such contributions cannot be diminished by revisionist interpretations or political criticism.