ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s 30-day petrol discount, describing it as too little to ease years of economic hardship. He warned that Nigerians would judge the administration at the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Friday, the former Vice President said temporary fuel price cuts would not solve the rising cost of food, transport, electricity and running businesses.
“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 accused Tinubu of adopting the idea behind his proposed production subsidy after previously rejecting it. Atiku said his plan would support petroleum products refined and sold in Nigeria, with spending limits, budget approval and independent audits. Imported products would not qualify.
“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.
Atiku also called for cheaper food, reliable electricity, more jobs, better business opportunities and safer roads and farms.
He urged ADC campaign council members to take the party’s message to markets, motor parks, farms, campuses and communities, while explaining how its policies would be funded.
“Another four years of Bola Tinubu means another four years of hunger, hardship and national decline,” he said.
The ADC candidate demanded electoral reforms, including public access to polling-unit results, live broadcasts of collation centres, independent audits of election technology and tougher penalties for electoral fraud.
He also accused APC-controlled governments of restricting opposition campaigns, citing an attempt to stop 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 nationwide and defend its rights through lawful means. He also urged Tinubu to resign, saying the petrol discount could not erase his administration’s economic record.
“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.
