The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being out of touch with the economic realities facing Nigerians following his Independence Day address.
In a statement issued Friday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku stated that while the President spoke of economic progress, millions of citizens continue to suffer under severe financial strain.
The former Vice President criticized Tinubu for defending policies that have made fuel and basic necessities unaffordable, noting that while the Nigerian government dismissed fuel subsidies as “addictive,” other nations are actively reducing energy taxes to protect their citizens.
“The Tinubu administration has failed in one of government’s most basic duties: protecting ordinary citizens from crushing economic hardship,” Atiku said. “Families are skipping meals, struggling to afford transport, and watching their hard-earned money vanish before the month ends, yet the government offers excuses instead of relief.”
Citing international examples, Atiku pointed out that Germany recently introduced tax cuts on gasoline and diesel to shield its public from rising costs.
“When petrol becomes more expensive, transport costs rise, and food prices follow. Germany understands that when energy costs pressure families, the government must intervene. Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency,” he added.
Outlining his proposed economic plan, Atiku pledged to introduce targeted, audited support specifically for locally refined petroleum products to drive down pump prices.
“Our plan is to restore targeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria. Support will follow the barrel refined locally, creating jobs here and lowering costs for citizens. It will be funded by cutting government waste, strictly protected against diversion, and will not apply to imported fuel,” he explained.
Reaffirming his commitment to economic recovery, Atiku offered an apology to struggling families.
“To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family and paying for transport, you do not deserve this hardship. Tinubu made life unbearably expensive and called your suffering the price of reform. I will make life affordable again,” he said.
