Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration have made petrol, food, transportation and other basic necessities increasingly unaffordable for Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication, Atiku cited the prices of fertiliser, petrol and cement as evidence of the economic pressure Nigerians are facing.
“Tinubu did not inherit this cost of living crisis from Nigerians. His policies created and deepened it,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president criticised Tinubu’s government for opposing his proposed petrol subsidy, which he said was designed to support domestic production and reduce the cost burden on Nigerians.
“This is why my production subsidy is about putting money back into people’s pockets. Support what we produce and refine here, increase supply, monitor the price and make sure Nigerians feel the benefit at the pump,” Atiku said.
Atiku said Nigerians needed immediate relief rather than further appeals for patience.
“Nigerians have now seen what Tinubu’s economics means in their daily lives: higher fuel prices, higher food prices, higher transport costs, weaker businesses and emptier pockets. They do not need another lecture on patience. They need relief,” he said.
“The choice before Nigeria is therefore clear: continue with an economy that takes more from the people, or build one that puts money back in their pockets.”
Atiku said if elected president, he would create jobs for Nigerians and lower the cost of living, adding that Tinubu has “made life expensive”, but he would reverse the situation.
