Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Economic Failure Over 30-Day Petrol Discount

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s proposed 30-day petrol discount, describing it as a temporary measure that fails to address Nigeria’s economic hardship, and called on the President to resign.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

He argued that the proposed discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) filling stations was an admission of the failure of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, accusing the government of introducing the measure as the next general election approaches.

According to Atiku, Nigerians have endured rising food prices, high transportation costs, expensive energy and worsening business conditions under the current administration.

He questioned the sustainability of the 30-day discount, asking what would happen after the initiative expires, and argued that temporary relief could not reverse the economic difficulties experienced by households and businesses over the past three years.

The former Vice President also accused Tinubu of adopting his proposed production subsidy policy after previously dismissing it as economically impractical.

Atiku said his proposal was designed to provide lasting, targeted relief by supporting petroleum products refined locally and sold to Nigerians.

He explained that the proposed arrangement would be capped, included in the national budget and independently audited, with imported petroleum products excluded from the scheme.

“My production subsidy proposal is a lasting, targeted plan. Yours is a temporary palliative dressed up as a solution,” he said.

Atiku further argued that reducing fuel costs should benefit not only public transport operators but also farmers, traders, manufacturers and households affected by rising transportation and production expenses.

He urged the Federal Government to adopt sustainable economic measures that would reduce the cost of living, improve electricity supply, create employment opportunities, support businesses and strengthen security, particularly around farms and major roads.

The ADC presidential candidate also accused the administration of shifting responsibility for the country’s economic challenges to previous governments, insisting that the President must take responsibility for the consequences of his policies.

Atiku Charges ADC Campaign Council

Addressing members of the newly inaugurated Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku urged them to take the party’s message to markets, motor parks, farms, campuses and communities across the country.

He called on members to explain the party’s proposed policies to Nigerians, earn public trust and prepare for the responsibilities of governance.

Atiku described the 2027 presidential election as a rescue mission, urging eligible voters to participate in the electoral process and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He said another four years under Tinubu would prolong what he described as hunger, hardship and national decline, calling on Nigerians to support the ADC’s campaign for economic recovery.

Demands Electoral Reforms

Atiku also emphasised the need for transparent elections, arguing that economic recovery and security policies would have limited value if voters’ choices were not protected.

He called for the immediate public release of polling-unit results, independent verification by political parties and observers, and live broadcasts of state and national collation proceedings.

He further demanded independent audits of election technology before and after elections, stronger penalties for electoral offences, and the establishment of an independent commission to investigate and prosecute electoral violations.

The ADC candidate also warned against attempts to restrict opposition parties from campaigning in any part of the country, insisting that all political parties must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights.

He specifically referenced the reported attempt to prevent an opposition candidate from campaigning in Benue State, warning that such incidents must not be repeated.

Atiku vowed that the ADC would campaign across the country and resist restrictions through lawful means, including the courts and the ballot box.

Concluding his address, he insisted that the proposed petrol discount could not erase the economic difficulties Nigerians had experienced under the Tinubu administration and urged the President to step down.

He said Nigerians deserved leadership capable of implementing sustainable policies that would make life affordable and restore confidence in the country’s economic future.