Atiku Dismisses Tinubu’s 30-Day Fuel Discount as ‘Panic-Driven Publicity Stunt’

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day fuel discount at NNPC stations, describing it as a temporary measure driven by political considerations.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the initiative could not address the long-term hardship Nigerians have faced due to high fuel prices.

He described the proposed discount as a “political bandage” on the economic challenges created by the administration, arguing that Nigerians would return to the same high fuel prices, transport fares and rising food costs after the 30-day period.

According to him, the government had failed to provide meaningful relief to Nigerians for years but was now offering temporary fuel relief as the 2027 general elections approach.

Atiku also questioned the scope of the initiative, noting that the discount would be limited to NNPC stations, while the government had yet to disclose how much motorists would save per litre or guarantee that transport operators would pass the savings to passengers through reduced fares.

He said the government’s decision to introduce the temporary measure was an indication that its previous position that meaningful relief was impossible was no longer sustainable.

Atiku reiterated his proposal for capped and budgeted production support tied to fuel refined in Nigeria, with safeguards to ensure that consumers benefit while encouraging local refining.

“Nigerians need lasting relief, not a countdown to the return of hardship,” Atiku said, reaffirming his commitment to making life more affordable for Nigerians.