Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described President Bola Tinubu as “the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape,” accusing his administration of worsening economic hardship through the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Atiku argued that Tinubu’s comparison of fuel subsidy relief to asking Moses to return to Egypt failed to reflect the struggles of Nigerians battling rising food prices, transportation costs and other living expenses.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku also criticised the President’s handling of insecurity and police welfare.
He warned that Tinubu should not seek another term without first addressing the country’s growing economic and security challenges.
“Bola, you are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape. You celebrate the day you made fuel more expensive, then lecture families struggling to pay for food and transport about why they must never go back,” Atiku said.
Atiku Proposes Support for Locally Refined Fuel
The ADC presidential candidate proposed targeted financial support for verified petroleum products refined in Nigeria, arguing that such a measure could help reduce the burden of high fuel prices on consumers.
He said imported fuel should be excluded from the proposed support, while independent auditors should monitor the funds to ensure the benefits reach Nigerians.
“My proposal is clear: give limited, budgeted support only to verified petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. Imported fuel gets nothing. Independent auditors must track every naira, and the benefit must reach consumers in the price they pay,” he said.
Atiku Faults Tinubu Over Insecurity
Atiku also rejected attempts to blame former President Muhammadu Buhari for the insecurity facing the country, insisting that Tinubu must take responsibility for killings, abductions and attacks recorded during his administration.
He referred to a remark by Tinubu’s campaign Director-General questioning what the President could do about insecurity when Buhari, a retired general, had failed to eliminate the problem.
Atiku countered that former President Umaru Yar’Adua had addressed insecurity despite not having a military background.
“Nigerians expect their President to confront the killers, rescue the abducted and make it possible to travel, farm, work and sleep without fear,” he said.
He maintained that the security challenges under Tinubu could not be excused by the failures of his predecessor. According to him, the President’s inability to explain how he intends to resolve the crisis further weakens his case for re-election.
ADC Candidate Raises Concerns Over Police Welfare
Atiku also expressed concern about the welfare of police officers, citing the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly told him that he receives a monthly pension of ₦29,000.
He alleged that some serving officers were relying on their pension savings to provide for their families.
The former vice president urged Tinubu to take action on the Police Exit Bill and review police salaries, healthcare provisions and retirement benefits.
“Give the people who protect Nigerians the pay, healthcare and retirement security their service has earned,” he said.
Atiku argued that Nigerians deserved affordable fuel, safer communities and improved welfare for security personnel.
He also pledged to reverse the hardship he attributed to the Tinubu administration, presenting economic relief and improved living conditions as key priorities.
“Tinubu made life expensive. I will make life affordable again,” he said.
