The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of replicating his economic policy regarding fuel subsidy removal without due acknowledgment. This accusation follows the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a 30-day petrol discount provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), particularly prioritizing public transporters.
During a press conference, Atiku referenced his proposed targeted support to mitigate fuel costs from September, which the Presidency had dismissed, calling him ignorant. He expressed disappointment at the government’s adoption of his proposal, stating it is unacceptable to implement such measures without giving him proper credit.
Atiku labeled the recently proposed discount as a superficial measure, arguing that the government has made life more difficult for Nigerians while framing these actions as reforms. He noted that the government had urged citizens to be patient amidst rising fuel prices, highlighting the prolonged hardships faced over the past 1,229 days since Tinubu took office.
The ADC candidate contended that the 30-day fuel discount is merely a temporary fix and poses questions about the future effectiveness of such measures. He criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that it lacks a sustainable framework for alleviating the financial burdens on Nigerian families and businesses.
Atiku further described the government’s response as a shallow attempt to mitigate electoral concerns rather than a genuine solution to the ongoing economic challenges, implying that Tinubu’s administration should be held accountable for the impact of its policies on the populace.
