Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s 30-day petrol discount, arguing that the temporary measure cannot compensate Nigerians for years of economic hardship ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said Nigerians needed lasting economic relief rather than short-term measures that would expire after a month.
He made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he questioned whether the temporary reduction in petrol prices would translate into lower transportation costs, cheaper food and improved living conditions.
“Thirty days cannot erase three and a half years of hardship. Nigerians have heard your excuses and endured your failed promises. They are ready to judge your record,” Atiku said.
He challenged Tinubu to explain what would happen when the 30-day discount ends and whether the prices of goods and services would fall as a result.
Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Adopting His Fuel Support Proposal
The former vice president also accused Tinubu’s administration of adopting the principle behind his proposed production subsidy after previously criticising the idea.
Atiku argued that the government’s latest intervention had failed to incorporate the safeguards he had recommended to ensure transparency and accountability.
“When I proposed targeted support to ease fuel costs, you called me ignorant of economic policy. Your government said it could not be done. Now, in a desperate and clumsy retreat, you have shamelessly embraced the principle you mocked. You owe me an apology,” he said.
He outlined his alternative, which would involve supporting petroleum products refined locally and sold within Nigeria while excluding imported fuel.
“My alternative is clear. Support petroleum products actually refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. Cap the support. Put it in the budget. Audit it independently. Exclude imports. Show the public what it costs and what they save,” Atiku stated.
He maintained that any government support should have a clear spending limit, be included in the national budget and undergo independent auditing.
ADC Candidate Calls for Lower Food Prices, Better Electricity
Atiku said Nigeria’s economic challenges required broader measures beyond reducing petrol prices temporarily.
He called for policies that would make food more affordable, improve electricity supply, create jobs, expand business opportunities and strengthen security on roads and farms.
According to him, economic recovery should be measured by tangible improvements in household welfare rather than temporary interventions.
Addressing members of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku urged them to take the party’s message to markets, motor parks, farms, university campuses and communities across the country.
He asked campaign officials to explain the party’s proposed policies to voters and demonstrate how the plans would be financed.
Atiku described the 2027 election as a contest over the welfare of Nigerian families and called on eligible voters to support the opposition party.
“Another four years of Bola Tinubu means another four years of hunger, hardship and national decline,” he said.
Atiku Demands Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2027
Beyond economic policy, the ADC presidential candidate called for changes to Nigeria’s electoral system to strengthen transparency and protect the votes of citizens.
He proposed immediate public access to polling-unit results, live broadcasts of state and national collation centres, and independent audits of election technology before and after elections.
Atiku also called for an independent commission to investigate and prosecute electoral offences.
He argued that stronger penalties were needed for vote suppression, manipulation of results and electoral fraud.
The former vice president further accused APC-controlled governments of restricting opposition campaigns, citing an attempt to prevent an opposition candidate from campaigning in Benue State.
“There will be no ‘no-go’ areas in Nigeria. Opposition members are citizens with the constitutional right to move freely, express their views and campaign anywhere in the country,” he said.
Atiku vowed that the ADC would campaign across the country and challenge attempts to prevent its candidates from reaching voters, insisting that the party would defend its rights through lawful means.
Atiku Urges Tinubu to Resign
Atiku concluded by calling on Tinubu to step down, arguing that the temporary petrol discount was insufficient to address the economic difficulties Nigerians had experienced under his administration.
“After this latest admission of failure, the honourable thing to do is step down. Nigerians deserve a government that will do the work and make life affordable again,” he said.
His remarks signal an intensifying political contest ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ADC candidate placing economic hardship, fuel prices, electoral transparency and the cost of living at the centre of his criticism of the current administration.
