ABUJA: African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, arguing that a temporary reduction in fuel prices cannot erase more than three years of economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Atiku said Nigerians would judge the Tinubu administration based on its overall performance ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that citizens needed sustainable economic relief rather than short-term measures.
The former vice president made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he challenged the Federal Government to explain what would happen when the petrol discount expires.
According to Atiku, the temporary intervention would do little to address the persistent high cost of food, transportation, electricity and business operations unless it formed part of a broader economic strategy.
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,” he said.
Atiku accused Tinubu of adopting the principle behind his proposed production subsidy after previously dismissing the idea, alleging that the President’s latest initiative amounted to an admission that the government needed a different approach to easing fuel costs.
He maintained that his earlier proposal was designed to provide targeted support for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold within the country.
Atiku also argued that the proposed support should have clear limits, receive budgetary approval and undergo independent audits to ensure transparency and accountability.
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,” he said.
The ADC candidate insisted that any government intervention should be structured to deliver measurable benefits to households and businesses rather than offer temporary relief without addressing the underlying causes of economic hardship.
Beyond petrol prices, Atiku called for policies aimed at making food more affordable, improving electricity supply, creating employment opportunities, expanding businesses and securing roads and farms.
He argued that economic recovery should be measured by improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, including their ability to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.
The former vice president also urged members of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council to take the party’s message to markets, motor parks, farms, university campuses and communities across the country.
He challenged campaign officials to explain the party’s policy proposals to voters and demonstrate how the proposed programmes would be financed.
Atiku framed the 2027 election as a contest over the welfare of Nigerian families, urging eligible voters to mobilise behind the opposition party.
Another four years of Bola Tinubu means another four years of hunger, hardship and national decline, he said.
The ADC presidential candidate also called for electoral reforms designed to improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.
Among his proposals were 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.
He further advocated the establishment of an independent commission to investigate and prosecute electoral offences, alongside stronger penalties for vote suppression, result tampering and electoral fraud.
Atiku also accused governments controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) of restricting opposition campaigns. He cited an alleged attempt to prevent an opposition candidate from campaigning in Benue State as an example of the challenges facing political opponents.
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.
He vowed that the ADC would campaign across the country and resist attempts to prevent its candidates from reaching voters, adding that the party would pursue lawful means to defend its rights.
In a direct challenge to the President, Atiku called on Tinubu to resign, arguing that the 30-day petrol discount could not erase the administration’s record on the economy.
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.
The Presidency’s response to Atiku’s latest criticism was not included in the account provided.
As the 2027 election approaches, the dispute over petrol prices, the cost of living and the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s economic policies is emerging as a major point of political contest between the ruling APC and opposition parties.
Atiku’s comments place the focus on whether temporary interventions can provide meaningful relief or whether Nigerians will demand more comprehensive measures to tackle the rising cost of living.
