Former Vice President and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to restore economic affordability for Nigerians if elected in 2027, dismissing President Bola Tinubu’s recent claims that the nation has entered an era of prosperity.
In his State of the Nation address to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on Thursday, Atiku argued that current government policies have failed to cushion the impact of rising inflation or restore the purchasing power of Nigerian families.
**Economic Reality vs. Government Rhetoric**
Highlighting the stark contrast between wages and the cost of living, Atiku pointed out that the current N70,000 minimum wage now buys only 50 litres of petrol. In comparison, he noted that the N30,000 minimum wage in April 2023 could purchase 118 litres—a drastic reduction in the quality of life for the average worker. He further cited the soaring costs of essential staples, specifically bread and eggs, as evidence of a failing economy.
**Proposed Energy Reforms**
To address the fuel crisis, the former Vice President proposed a “capped, budgeted production subsidy.” Under this plan, the subsidy would be tied exclusively to verified, locally refined fuel. By excluding imported petrol, he argues that the government can reduce pump prices while incentivizing domestic refining and job creation. He further promised that all costs would be subject to independent audits to ensure transparency and eliminate government waste.
**Accountability and Governance**
Atiku challenged the integrity of the administration’s social investment programs, specifically questioning the selection process for the 10 million beneficiaries of the N75,000 cash transfer scheme. “If you could find 10 million people to pay, you must be able to account for those payments,” he stated.
He called for an immediate overhaul of public expenditure, demanding the publication of all government loan and contract records, the elimination of overlapping budgets, and the settlement of outstanding payments to contractors. He emphasized that true national progress must be measured by the “affordability of goods and the safety of the citizenry.”
**Commitment to Electoral Integrity**
Looking toward the 2027 polls, Atiku promised to uphold the independence of the electoral commission. He pledged to support the prompt, transparent publication of polling-unit results and vowed that his administration would implement strict legal consequences for vote-buying and result manipulation.
“Your vote must count as you cast it,” he assured the electorate.
