Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s Administration Over Alleged Hacking of NBS Website

By: Bayero Ade

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised serious concerns about the reported hacking of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website. He described the incident as a troubling development that reflects poorly on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The alleged cyberattack occurred shortly after the NBS published data from the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS). Atiku, in a statement through his Media Office, expressed fears that the hack might compromise the integrity of critical national data relied upon for planning, research, and development.

“The hacking of the NBS website is emblematic of the credibility crisis confronting this administration,” Atiku said. “Allowing political interference or manipulation of vital statistics is dangerous and undermines public confidence in the data being released.” Atiku also questioned the timing of the incident, suggesting it was suspicious that the hack followed the release of data highlighting troubling security trends in the country.

In a statement issued by his Media Office, Atiku remarked: “The claim that the National Bureau of Statistics website has been hacked is unprecedented and deeply concerning. This incident adds to the series of challenges that have plagued the Tinubu administration. The timing of the alleged hack—immediately following the release of the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS)—raises serious questions about whether it is an attempt to undermine the credibility of vital data.

“It is imperative that national statistics remain free from political manipulation. Any effort to distort, manipulate, or compromise the integrity of these numbers not only damages public trust but also jeopardizes the country’s planning and development efforts. This is the first time in history that the NBS website has reportedly been hacked. The coincidence of this attack following the release of alarming security statistics is troubling and must be thoroughly investigated.”

Atiku urged the government to ensure transparency in handling the situation and called for stronger measures to protect critical national institutions like the NBS. He emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of national data is essential for Nigeria’s growth and development.