‘Nigerians deserve better’ — Atiku challenges Tinubu on hardship, fuel prices

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to adequately protect Nigerians from worsening economic hardship.

Atiku made the assertion in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, in reaction to the President’s Independence Day address.

He said the speech highlighted what he described as a growing disconnect between the Federal Government’s narrative on economic prosperity and the realities confronting Nigerians.

According to Atiku, the administration has continued to defend policies that have increased the cost of petrol and other essential commodities, while describing fuel subsidies as “addictive.”

The former vice president also disputed Tinubu’s claim that salaries and pensions were being paid “on time and in full”, saying reports of delays by federal workers and protests by pensioners contradicted the assertion.

Atiku cited Germany’s decision to reduce taxes on petrol and diesel by €0.17 per litre between October and December, saying the measure was estimated to cost the European country €2.5 billion and had started contributing to lower pump prices.

He argued that reducing fuel costs would have a direct effect on transportation, food prices and household expenses.

“When petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive. When transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more. The hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes.

“Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, government must act. Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency.

“Our plan is to restore targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with strict auditing and a guarantee that the benefit lowers pump prices. Support will follow the barrel refined here, creating jobs here and easing costs for Nigerians. It will be funded by cutting waste, protected against diversion and price manipulation, and will not apply to imported fuel.

“To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport or meeting another basic need, I am deeply sorry. You did not deserve this hardship. Tinubu made life unbearably expensive and called your suffering the price of reform. I will make life affordable again.”

Atiku maintained that a reduction in fuel prices would have broader benefits for households, including cheaper transportation, lower prices of goods and increased disposable income.

He added: “Nigeria’s wealth should ease the burden on its people.”