Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of copying his fuel subsidy proposal but reducing it to a 30-day discount he described as a “sugar rush” that would leave Nigerians struggling again when the relief expires.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said the Federal Government’s temporary petrol price cut was no lasting solution to the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
He made the accusation in Abuja on Friday during the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, where he launched a fresh attack on Tinubu’s economic policies ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former Vice-President demanded an apology from Tinubu, insisting that the President had adopted his proposal for a targeted subsidy on petrol refined locally after initially opposing the idea.
“Bola, your 30-day discount is a sugar rush masquerading as economic policy: a fleeting taste of relief at the pump, followed by the same brutal crash when the month ends,” Atiku said.
He accused the President of borrowing his idea while removing the safeguards he considered necessary to make it effective.
“You copied my production subsidy proposal, stripped away the part that makes it work, and handed Nigerians a 30-day discount; where is the rest of the answer?” he asked.
The Federal Government had announced a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail outlets, with priority given to public transport operators.
However, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the arrangement was not a return to fuel subsidy, but a framework for the NNPC to sell petrol at cost during the period.
Atiku argued that the initiative would offer Nigerians only temporary relief without addressing the underlying causes of high transport fares, food prices and business operating costs.
He questioned what would happen when the 30 days elapsed, asking whether transporters would be compelled to maintain lower fares and whether businesses would enjoy any lasting reduction in operating expenses.
The ADC candidate proposed a targeted, budgeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.
Under his proposal, government support would be capped, included in the budget and independently audited, while imported petroleum products would be excluded.
“Families cannot plan their meals around a temporary discount, transporters cannot set stable fares on it, and businesses cannot invest or plan for the future on it,” he said.
Atiku argued that his proposed arrangement would encourage domestic refining while helping to reduce fuel prices and the wider cost of living.
He also challenged Tinubu to stop blaming previous administrations for the country’s economic difficulties, insisting that the President must accept responsibility for the consequences of his policies.
“You are the President; the petrol price is your problem, the collapsing purchasing power is your problem, and the shops closing under the weight of fuel and power costs are your problem—take responsibility for the country you govern,” he said.
Atiku further promised that his proposed economic agenda would address affordable food, electricity supply, employment, agricultural security and the challenges confronting businesses.
He urged members of the campaign council to take the party’s message to markets, motor parks, farms, campuses and communities, explaining how its policies would be funded and implemented.
“Another four years of Bola Tinubu means another four years of hunger, hardship, and national decline,” he added.
Earlier, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, inaugurated the Presidential Campaign Council and charged its members to present Nigerians with a credible alternative to the Tinubu administration.
Mark said the party’s mission went beyond winning the 2027 election, insisting that it must convince Nigerians that its policies could improve their living conditions.
“Our task is therefore bigger than winning an election. Our task is to present Nigerians with a credible alternative and give them the reason to believe and trust that the essence of governance is to protect them and make their lives better,” he said.
The former Senate President called for an issue-based campaign focused on the economy, security, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, the rule of law and opportunities for young people.
He also urged the campaign council to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, workers, farmers, traders, professionals, students, women and persons with disabilities.
Mark warned party members against violence and political hostility, stressing that the ADC’s campaign must remain within the law.
